Perception and Use of Psychoactive Substances Among Commercial Motorcyclists in Makurdi Metropolis, Nigeria
Author(s): Ishaku Ara Bako*, Hangem Joseph Atsaakaa and Senol Dane
Abstract
Background: The use of psychosocial substance is a major public health problem. Commercial motorcyclists are mostly young persons with disposable income and are at risk of use of these substances. The aim of the study was to assess the perception of and the prevalence of psychoactive substance use among commercial motorcyclists in Makurdi metropolis.
Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out among 249 respondents selected using multi-staged sampling technique. Data was collected by using a semi structured and self-administered questionnaire and the analysis was done with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 23 at 5% level of significance.
Results: Majority of the respondents were aged 18-28 years (49.8%) and with secondary education (67.5%). Respondents agreed that substance can cause intoxication (97.6%), road traffic accident (96.0%), chronic diseases (95.6%), psychological disorders (98.4%), sexual risky behaviours (96.8%), increase in crime (93.2%) and domestic violence (95.6%). Eighty seven percent of the respondents use alcohol, 42.2% smoked cigarette, 12.4% take tramadol and 22.0% take marijuana, 19.3% take either marijuana or tramadol and 92.8% take at least one psychoactive substance.
Conclusion: The prevalence of psychoactive substances use among commercial motorcyclists in was high. There was however a high perception of the negative consequences of use of substance. Non-governmental organizations should target commercial motorcyclists for interpersonal communication interventions to help them develop the required skills to stop the use to psychoactive substances.