SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CORRELATES AND PATTERNS OF PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCE USE AMONG INTERSTATE COMMERCIAL DRIVERS IN ILORIN, NIGERIA

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The aim of this study was to determine the socio-demographic correlates and patterns of psychoactive substance use among interstate commercial drivers (ISCDs) in Ilorin, Nigeria, as a baseline assessment for an educational intervention program. Psychoactive substance use among drivers remains a major public health concern due to its association with impaired driving and road traffic accidents. A baseline cross-sectional survey was conducted among 70 interstate commercial drivers selected through multistage sampling, using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. All respondents were male, predominantly middle-aged, and highly experienced drivers. Awareness of common psychoactive substances was high; however, knowledge of their health consequences was limited. Mild stimulants such as kola nut and coffee were the most commonly used substances (58.6%), followed by alcohol (31.4%) and cigarettes (24.3%), while illicit drug use was rare. Educational level was significantly associated with substance use at bivariate analysis (p = 0.004), but no socio-demographic variable independently predicted use after adjustment. Findings suggest that psychoactive substance use among ISCDs is likely influenced more by occupational and environmental factors than socio-demographic characteristics. Substances used were largely culturally acceptable stimulants likely consumed as coping mechanisms for fatigue and work demands. It is recommended that interventions prioritise occupational health strategies, including fatigue management policies, regulation of driving hours, and targeted education on the long-term harms of stimulant use. Further studies with larger samples and biological verification are needed to strengthen evidence and improve accuracy of prevalence estimates. All respondents were male, predominantly middle-aged, and highly experienced drivers. Awareness of common psychoactive substances was high; however, knowledge of their health consequences was limited. Mild stimulants such as kola nut and coffee were the most commonly used substances (58.6%), followed by alcohol (31.4%) and cigarettes (24.3%), while illicit drug use was rare. Educational level was significantly associated with substance use at bivariate analysis (p = 0.004), but no socio-demographic variable independently predicted use after adjustment. Findings suggest that psychoactive substance use among ISCDs is likely influenced more by occupational and environmental factors than socio-demographic characteristics. Substances used were largely culturally acceptable stimulants likely consumed as coping mechanisms for fatigue and work demands. It is recommended that interventions prioritize occupational health strategies, including fatigue management policies, regulation of driving hours, and targeted education on the long-term harms of stimulant use. Further studies with larger samples and biological verification are needed to strengthen evidence and improve accuracy of prevalence estimates.

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