Rationale and Implications of Psychoactive Substances Use Among Commercial Road Transport Workers in Lokoja, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the rationale and implications of psychoactive substances use among commercial road transport workers in Lokoja, Nigeria, using cross-sectional survey research design. The study population comprises of trailer drivers, taxi drivers, tipper drivers and long distance bus drivers registered in Lokoja. However, due to variation in the population of each of the study groups, a quota of forty five (45) participants were allotted to each of the groups (totalling one hundred and eighty, 180) in order to prevent over-representation of one group over the other. Selection of respondents at garage/park level was however done using purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire and statistically analysed using frequencies, percentage, and weighted means. Results of the study show that majority of the respondents used psychoactive substances to overcome depression, stay awake while driving, overcome daily problems and for pleasure. These were however found to sometimes result to alteration in the moods and emotional state of the respondents, road traffic accidents, hangover and further involvement in substances usage. In view of these findings, it is recommended that Government should intensify campaign through print and electronic media as well as by organising seminar and workshop for members of commercial road transport workers not only in the study area but also in Nigeria generally, on the risks (social, psychological and health) of psychoactive substance usage.