Risk Factors of Substance Use among Commercial Motorcycle Riders in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed risk factors of substance use among commercial motorcycle riders in Nsukka Local Government Area (LGA), Enugu State. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and April, 2023 at various designated units of the commercial motorcycle riders in Nsukka LGA. A total number of 600 commercial motorcycle riders participated. Data collection was done using self-developed Risk Factors of Substance Use Questionnaire (RFSUQ), in which part of it was adapted from Drug Use Screening Inventory (revised DUSI-R). Descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage, and chi-square test were used for analyses. The findings revealed that over the counter medications (93.0%), prescription pain killer pills (84.1), alcohol (76.6%), caffeine (65.2%), and smoking tobacco (54.9%) are the most commonly used substances reported by commercial motorcycle riders. Age, education level, and marital status (p ≤ .05) were significantly associated with the risk factors for substance use among commercial motorcycle riders. However, Enugu State government should strengthen the need for educating motorcycle riders on those factors that influence them to use alcohol and other drugs while riding and educating both motorcycle riders and automobile drivers on the importance of actively sharing the road with one another.