Commercial Motorcycle Operators and use of Performance Enhancing Substances in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria
- December 4, 2019
- Posted by: RSIS
- Categories: IJRSI, Nursing
International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VI, Issue XI, November 2019 | ISSN 2321–2705
Muhammad Anka Nasiru#, Faruk U. Abubakar*
#,*Department of Nursing Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria
Abstract—The key objective of this study was to assess the perceptions of commercial motorcycle operators (CMOs) on the use of work performance enhancing substance (PES) and its perceived socio-economic and health consequences among the motorcyclists in Sokoto metropolis. This study utilized cross-sectional survey and cluster sampling technique to draw 400 samples; however, only 364 questionnaires were properly filled and therefore used for further analysis using SPSS software. Concerning why the operators used PES, the result of the study shows a mean ranged between 3.2 and 3.7 and standard deviation (SD) ranged between 0.3 and 0.8; indicating agreement by majority of the respondents concerning the questions. Specifically, most respondents agree that PES make them work for longer hours (3.7 & 0.3), protect them from cold (3.2 & 0.3), keep them awake (3.4 & 0.6), increase their energy at work (3.3 & 0.8), and protect them from hunger (3.5 & 0.3). Additionally, concerning the commonly used PES among CMOs, the result of this study indicates a mean range between 3.2 and 3.8, indicating agreement by the majority of the respondents concerning the questions. Specifically, most respondents agree that the commonly used PES are Tramol (3.8 & 0.6), Cigarette and Arab tea (3.5 & 4.0), Kolanut and Marijuana (3.4 & 0.5), and Cough syrup (3.2 & 0.3) respectively. Moreover, concerning the perceived consequences of PES, the result of this study indicates a mean range between 3.5 and 3.1, indicating agreement by the majority of respondents regarding the questions. Precisely, most respondents agreed the socio-economic and health consequences of PES include persistent headache (3.5 and 0.3), road traffic accident and difficulty in sleep (3.4 and 0.3), problems with law enforcement agents, stress and depression (3.2 and 0.2), and inability to cater for the family adequately (3.1 and 0.2). Consequently, the study recommends that youth should be actively involved in the enlightenment campaign on the dangers of PES use. Additionally, government should enforce laws so that drugs that are psychoactive are not sold to people without expert’s prescriptions. Finally, PES such as Tramol, Arab tea, Marijuana, Cigarette and certain Cough syrups should be levied heavily so that the pricing will make it difficult for operators to afford.
Key Words: Commercial motorcycle operators, performance enhancing substances, socioeconomic, health consequences, Sokoto metropolis
