Socio-Demographic Factors Associated with Psychoactive Substance Use among Commercial Motorcycle Operators in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Psychoactivesubstance use was common among commercial motorcycle operators. Studies had shown that there were somesocio-demographic factors which were commoner among commercial motorcycleoperators who used psychoactive substances. However, this was not exploredamong commercial motorcycle operators in Kano, North Western Nigeria. Aim: Theaim of the study was to determine the socio-demographic factors associated withpsychoactive substance use among motorcycle operators in Kano, NorthwesternNigeria. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. Instrument used for datacollection included socio-demographic questionnaire and World Health Organisation Student Drug UseQuestionnaire. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)16th edition. Results: Commercial motorcycle operators who used substances werefound to be of younger age group (X2 = 10.9, P X2 =4.3, P = 0.034) and had a father who usedtobacco (X2 =4.28, P = 0.04). Participants who were singlewere more likely to use inhalants(X2 = 21.06, P =0.001), opiates (X2 = 11.82, P = 0.012), cannabis (X2 = 5.12, P = 0.028) and stimulants (X2 = 5.12, P = 0.028) compared to those whowere married. Conclusion: This study found that being of younger age, beingsingle, and having a father who smoked weresignificantly associated with psychoactive substance use. Participants who weresingles were more likely to use inhalants, opiates, cannabis and stimulants. Norelationship was observed between the age of the respondents and specificsubstance use. Legislations should be enacted to reduce the rate of psychoactive substance use amongmotorcycle operators and general population at large.