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Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Substance Abuse among
Commercial Vehicle Drivers in Abakaliki Metropolis
Elom Onochie Peter
1
,Okoro Nwachinemere Lenz
1
, Ituma Bernard Ituma
2
, Onwe Francis Idenyi
3
,
Mgbada Clement Uchechukwu
3
, Ogah Nmachimere Abigail
3
, Nchiya Obumneme Benedict
3
1
Department of Community Medicine, David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, Uburu
2
Department of Community Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki
3
Department of Community Medicine, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51584/IJRIAS.2025.100900095
Received: 22 September 2025; Accepted: 29 September 2025; Published: 25 October 2025
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Substance abuse, the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and
illicit drugs, presents a significant public health challenge globally and particularly in Nigeria. Substance abuse
among commercial vehicle drivers is a significant concern, impacting road safety and public health. This is
because psychoactive substances alter mood, behavior, and psychological states, influencing an individual’s
decision-making, which can have dire consequences when combined with high-risk activities like driving.
Objective: This study aims to assess the awareness, knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding substance
abuse among commercial vehicle drivers in Abakaliki Metropolis, Ebonyi State.
Materials and methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Four hundred commercial drivers were
recruited using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using structured, interviewer-administered
questionnaire adopted from previous studies.. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0 Descriptive
analysis was summarized using frequency and proportion. Bivariate analysis was done using a chi-squared test
to assess the factors associated with the practice of substance abuse. The level of statistical significance was
pegged at p < 0.05
Results: Two hundred and ninety four 294 (73%) is aware that driving under the influence of a substance is
illegal, 332 (83%) of the respondents has good knowledge of substance abuse, 303 (75.8%) had positive
attitude towards substance abuse and 213 (53.8%) use substances to cope with stress. The factors found to be
associated with practice of substance abuse are age (χ2 = 9.753, P = 0.008), years of driving experience (χ2 =
14.563, P = 0.001), and park from which the drivers operated (χ2 = 36.707, P = <0.001).
Conclusion: Though there was high level of awareness, good knowledge and positive attitude but reduced
proportion of substance use and abuse. Periodic sensitization, monitoring and regulation are recommended
Key Words: Substance, abuse, knowledge, attitude, practice.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Substance abuse, defined as the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and
illicit drugs, presents a significant public health challenge globally and particularly in Nigeria. Psychoactive
substances alter mood, behavior, and psychological states, influencing an individual’s decision-making, which
can have dire consequences when combined with high-risk activities like driving. Substance abuse among
commercial vehicle drivers in Nigeria poses significant social concerns, impacting road safety and public
health. Research has identified several substances commonly abused by these drivers as follows; studies
reporting usage rates ranging from 51% to 75.1%.1,24 Cigarettes, approximately 27% of drivers report
smoking, contributing to health risks.¹ Alcoholic Herbal Mixtures, about 16% of drivers consume these
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Page 961
mixtures, which are often locally prepared and may contain psychoactive substances.¹ Tramadol, an opioid
analgesic, to enhance alertness and reduce fatigue.¹ Cannabis (Marijuana), used by high proportion of drivers,
can impair driving abilities.¹ Kolanut: Consumed for its stimulant effects, is used by some drivers to stay
awake.¹ Amphetamines, Consumed for their energizing effects, are used by some drivers for perceived
performance enhancement and in order to stay alert on long trips.¹
Substance abuse among commercial vehicle drivers is of special concern due to its direct correlation with road
traffic accidents. The abuse of stimulants to manage fatigue, enhance alertness, or cope with the stresses of
long driving hours is prevalent, particularly among those operating within the transportation sector.2,3
In Nigeria, the prevalence of substance abuse is high. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and
Crime (UNODC), approximately 14.4% of Nigerians aged 15–64 have used drugs, with cannabis being the
most common illicit substance, followed by alcohol.4 In Lagos, a study5 found that 69% of tanker drivers
admitted to using psychoactive substances, with significant usage before or during driving shifts. In Abakaliki,
the general trend among commercial drivers mirrors this pattern, suggesting a widespread abuse that could be
even more pronounced given the city’s role as a transport hub in Ebonyi State.6
The health implications of substance abuse among drivers extend beyond individual users to affect public
safety. Chronic use can lead to addiction, tolerance, and severe health issues like liver cirrhosis, cardiovascular
diseases, and mental health disorders.7. Psychoactive substances impair cognitive functions vital for safe
driving, such as reaction time, decision-making, and motor coordination, directly increasing the risk of
accidents.8 The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that alcohol-impaired driving is a leading cause of
road traffic deaths globally, a statistic likely mirrored in Nigeria where road safety remains a significant
concern.9
Economically, substance abuse among drivers leads to decreased productivity, increased healthcare costs, and
higher insurance premiums due to accident rates. Socially, it contributes to family breakdowns, domestic
violence, and community degradation, particularly in areas where transport hubs are located. The 2007 Global
Status Report on Alcohol highlighted that alcohol consumption in Nigeria often leads to domestic violence,
with 55% of women reporting abuse related to their husbands’ drinking.10
Rationale/justification
The prevalence of substance abuse among commercial vehicle drivers has been recognized as a significant
public health, safety, and socio-economic issue globally.11 Despite this acknowledgment, there is a notable
gap in research concerning the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of substance abuse among commercial
vehicle drivers specifically within Abakaliki Metropolis, Nigeria, which hinders the formulation of targeted
interventions, thereby perpetuating risks to public safety, economic stability, and social well-being.
Public safety is directly compromised as substance abuse can lead to impaired driving, which is a major cause
of road traffic accidents (RTAs). Without localized data on the KAP of substance abuse, developing effective
educational and regulatory measures becomes challenging, leaving drivers, passengers, and other road users
vulnerable to the consequences of drugged driving.
Addressing the health implications of substance abuse among drivers can lead to better health policies and
interventions, potentially reducing the burden on healthcare systems. Understanding the patterns of substance
use can inform targeted road safety campaigns, reducing accident rates and saving lives.policy development
and social stability.
General Objective
To assess the awareness, knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding substance abuse among commercial
vehicle drivers in Abakaliki Metropolis, Ebonyi State.
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Specific Objectives
To determine the level of awareness among commercial vehicle drivers in Abakaliki Metropolis about
substance abuse.
To evaluate the level of knowledge among commercial vehicle drivers in Abakaliki Metropolis concerning
substance abuse.
To analyze attitudes of commercial vehicle drivers in Abakaliki Metropolis towards substance abuse.
To investigate the “practice” of substance use, including the prevalence of substance use, types of substance
used, frequency of use, sources of substances, patterns of use, factors influencing use, and consequences of
abuse, among commercial vehicle drivers in Abakaliki Metropolis.
To establish the demographic factors that affect the practice of substance use among commercial drivers in
Abakaliki metropolis
MATERIALS AND METHOD
Study Area
Ebonyi State, with its capital in Abakaliki, was established on October 1, 1996. Located in southeastern
Nigeria, the state has approximate geographic coordinates of 6.15°N latitude and 8.05°E longitude; bound to
the north by Benue State, Enugu State to the west, Cross River State to the east and south by Abia State. It
covers a total land area of 6,400 square kilometers, with a population (2022 estimate) of about 3,242,500.43
Abakaliki metropolis is made up of two local Government Areas, Ebonyi and Abakaliki. The metropolis has
one major park (containing many mass transport companies) and about three other minor parks(containing
other commercial transporters) with many bus stops scattered within the town. Taxi driving is not well
developed in the metropolis, but motocycle and Keke riders who engaged in town services.
Study Population
The study population consisted of commercial motor vehicle drivers operating in and out of Abakaliki
metropolis parks.
Inclusion Criteria
All commercia lmotor drivers operating within the Abakaliki metropolitan area.
Drivers who are registered with the transport unions
Exclusion Criteria
Respondents who did not provide informed consent to participate in the study.
Study Design
The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design.
Sample Size Determination
The sample size was calculated using Cochran’s formula for simple proportions:
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Where:
N is the minimum sample size,
Z is the critical value of the normal distribution (1.96 for a 95% confidence level),
d is the margin of error (5%), and
p is the estimated prevalence of 74.6%.15
Adding a 10% (0.1) non-response rate (r):
Where N is sample size adjusted for nonresponse.
Our sample size adjusted for nonresponse (N) was, therefore, 323 subjects.
Sampling Method
Multistage sampling method was employed.
Stage 1, commercial vehicle drivers in Abakaliki metropolis were divided into sampling units/clusters
according to the transport park groups from which they operated.
Stage 2: Four mass transit companies within the Central Park in Abakaliki were selected as primary sampling
units or clusters. These parks included GUO, Ifesinachi, Okeyson, and Peace parks. Additional parks, which
were analyzed and summarized together under “other” parks as the fifth primary sampling unit, were also
included to capture a wider range of drivers for a more representative data collection and results.
Stage 3: A proportionate systematic sampling was conducted among the drivers within each park.
Sampling Technique
A proportionate stratified systematic sampling technique was first employed whereby the total sample size was
allocated proportionally across the selected parks based on the estimated number of drivers in each park. Parks
with larger driver populations contributed a correspondingly larger number of participants to the overall
sample, ensuring fair representation.
Then, Systematic Sampling method was used to select the respondents. A complete list of all commercial
drivers present at each park during the study period was compiled. This list served as the sampling frame, with
each driver assigned a unique identifier (e.g., Driver 1, Driver 2, Driver 3, etc.). The sampling interval (k) was
determined;: A random starting point within the sampling frame was selected using a random number
generator. Subsequent participants were selected by adding the sampling interval (k) to the position of the last
selected driver.
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Data Collection instrument
Data was collected using an interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire divided into five sections: A,
B, C, D, and E. Section A gathered socio-demographic information about the participants; Section B included
questions assessing awareness; Section C included questions assessing knowledge; Section D included
questions assessing attitude; and Section E included questions assessing practice.
Measurement of Variables
The quantitative variables in the independent variables were measured using students t-test for the means
(standard deviation), while categorical variables were measured using Pearson Chi-square for the difference in
respondents’ proportions. The dependent variables were made up of knowledge, attitude, practices and factors
among the respondents. Composite variables were constructed to assess knowledge. For each correct answer, a
score of one was awarded and zero awarded to wrong answers. The total score was calculated and converted to
percentage. This was used to grade knowledge into good or poor knowledge, with 50% as the cut-off. Scores
51% to 100% were graded as good knowledge while scores zero to 50% were regarded as poor knowledge
Attitudes towards substance abuse was measured using Likert scale to assess agreement with statements
reflecting different attitudes. Statements covered a range of attitudes from permissive to prohibitive regarding
substance use. Practice was measured by evaluating actual behaviors related to substance use among the
drivers. The association between putative factors for substance abuse was determined using bivariate analysis
of the Chi square variety. Level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05 with 95% confidence interval.
After cross tabulation of socio-demographic variables with the factors, independent variables with a cut off p-
value ≤ 0.1 were modelled into a Binary Logistic regression model for a multivariate analysis which
determined the predictors of the actual factors of substance abuse among the respondents.
Data Management
Data collected from the participants was managed systematically to ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and ease
of analysis.All completed questionnaires was checked for completeness and accuracy before data entry. Data
was entered into a secure database using International Business Machine Statistical Package for Service
Solutions (IBM SPSS) to minimize entry errors and ensure data consistency.23
Data Analysis
Statistical analyses was conducted using International Business Machine Statistical Product for Service
Solution (IBM SPSS statistics), Version 25, to address the study’s objectives.23 Both descriptive and
inferential statistical methods was employed to explore relationships and trends in the data:
Ethical Considerations
Several steps were taken to address ethical issues in this study: Ethical approval for the study was sought from
the Ethics Committee of Ebonyi State Ministry of Health. On informed consent, the respondents were gives
detailed the study’s purpose, significance, and the extent of their involvement. Participation was voluntary,
and respondents were assured that refusal to participate or withdrawal after consent would not result in any
form of victimization. Participants were assured that all responses would be respected, kept confidential, and
not tied to any identifying information such as their names.
RESULTS
Table 1: Socio-demographic Characteristics of the Participants
Variable
No of Respondents (N=400)
Percentage (%)
Age (years)
25-34
76
19.0
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35-44
216
54.0
>45
108
27.0
Gender
Male
400
100
Female
0
0.0
Highest Level of Education
Primary Education
212
53.0
Secondary Education
145
36.3
Tertiary Education
43
10.9
Years of Driving Experience
Less than 5 years
27
6.8
5-10 years
205
51.2
Above 10 years
168
42.0
Park
GUO
62
15.5
Ifesinachi
31
7.8
Okeyson
54
13.5
Peace
63
15.8
Other
190
47.5
Table 1 showed that the greatest proportion of the respondents were 35-44 years of age (216, 54%) Majority
of the respondents’ highest level of education was primary education (212, 53%) and only a few has achieved
tertiary education (43, 10.9%). The greatest proportion of the respondents have attained the range of 5 and 10
years of driving experience (205, 51.2%), and only a few has their years of driving experience less than 5 (27,
6.8%).
Table 2: Awareness of Substance Abuse among Commercial Vehicle Drivers in Abakaliki Metropolis
Items
Percentage
(%)
How did you learn about substance abuse?
School
47.8
Media (TV, Radio, Newspapers)
64.5
Billboards or Posters
16.0
Awareness Campaigns
3.8
Workshops and/or Seminars
6.0
Health Professionals
20.3
Coworkers and/or Friends
85.8
Internet/Social Media
45.3
“I don’t know what substance abuse is”
0.5
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Do you think substance abuse is a problem among commercial
vehicle drivers in Abakaliki?
Yes
74.3
No
25.8
Have you personally witnessed or known of any driver who uses
substances while on duty?
Yes
88.3
No
11.8
Would you recognize the signs of substance use in a fellow
driver?
Yes
94.5
No
5.5
Are you aware that driving under the influence is illegal?
Yes
73.5
No
26.5
Table 2 above shows that most respondents learned about substance abuse from coworkers and/or friends (343,
85%), and the least proportion of respondents do not know what substance abuse is (2, 0.5%). Most of the
respondents have personally witnessed or known of a driver who uses substances while on duty (353, 88.3%),
Table 3: Prevalence of Awareness of Substance Abuse among Commercial Vehicle Drivers in Abakaliki
Metropolis
Items
Number of respondents (n=400)
Percentage (%)
Good level of Awareness
243
60.8
Poor level of awareness
157
39.3
Table 3 above shows the prevalence of good and poor levels of awareness of substance abuse among
commercial vehicle drivers in Abakaliki metropolis based on our criteria for measuring awareness as described
in chapter 3 section 3.7.2. Majority of the respondents demonstrated good awareness of substance abuse (243,
60.8%).
Table 4A: Knowledge of Substance Abuse among Commercial Vehicle Drivers in Abakaliki Metropolis
Items
Frequency
(N=400)
Percentage
(%)
Taking ògógóró (káí káí) or beer can improve your quickness of control
(reaction times) when driving.
True
193
48.3
False (correct)
207
51.7
Which of the following is true concerning Ìgbó, loud, or càná?
Incorrect options
183
45.8
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They impair one’s ability to drive well (correct)
217
54.2
Which of the following substances cannot impair your driving ability?
Incorrect options
141
35.2
None of the above (Correct)
259
64.8
Which of these is not common effect of substance use on driving?
Incorrect Options
137
34.2
Improved concentration (Correct)
263
65.8
Taking ògógóró (káí káí) or beer can reduce your ability to judge speed
and distance.
True (Correct)
374
93.5
False
26
6.5
Which of the following is a potential health risk associated with chronic
(prolonged) use of Ìgbó, loud or càná?
Incorrect Options
141
35.3
Cognitive impairment (Correct)
259
64.7
Which of the following is not a health risk associated with long-term
ògógóró (káí káí) or beer use?
Incorrect options
190
47.5
None of the above (Correct)
210
52.5
Substance abuse only affects the individual user and not the public
safety.
True
157
39.3
False (Correct)
243
60.8
Table 4A above shows our assessment of the knowledge level of substance abuse among the respondents
investigated in this study. Majority of the respondents answered all of the questions correctly.
Table 4B: Knowledge of Substance Abuse among Commercial Vehicle Drivers in Abakaliki Metropolis
(Continuation)
Items
Frequency
(N=400)
Percentage
(%)
In Nigeria, what is the legal blood alcohol concentration limit for
drivers?
Incorrect Options
362
90.5
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0.05% (Correct)
38
9.5
Driving under the influence of any substance, even if legally prescribed,
can lead to legal penalties.
True (Correct)
284
71.0
False
114
29.0
The risk of becoming dependent on/addicted to substances increases with
regular use.
True (Correct)
360
90.0
False
40
10.0
Which is not a common symptom of withdrawal from substance abuse?
Incorrect options
151
36.7
Increased energy (Correct)
249
62.3
Table 4B above shows our assessment of the knowledge level of substance abuse among the respondents
investigated in this study. Majority of the respondents answered all of the questions correctly.
Table 5: Grading of Knowledge of Substance Abuse among Commercial Vehicle Drivers in Abakaliki
Metropolis
Variable
Frequency (N)
Percent (%)
Good knowledge
332
83.0
Poor knowledge
68
17.0
Table 5 above shows the prevalence of good and poor levels of awareness of substance abuse among
commercial vehicle drivers in Abakaliki metropolis based on our criteria for measuring knowledge as
described in chapter 3 section 3.7.3. Majority of the respondents demonstrated good knowledge concerning
substance abuse (332, 83%).
Table 6: Attitude towards of Substance Use among Commercial Vehicle Drivers in Abakaliki Metropolis
Statement
SA (%)
A (%)
N (%)
D (%)
SD (%)
For me, it is a shame as a man to avoid taking
beer.
63(15.9)
71(17.8)
16(4.0)
74(18.5)
176(44.0)
Using ògógóró (káí káí) or beer occasionally
is harmless.
87(21.8)
92(23.0)
81(20.3)
67(16.8)
73(18.3)
Local alcoholic herbal mixtures (èkpètèshí)
reliably boosts driver performance.
56(14.0)
61(15.3)
7(1.8)
120(30.0)
156(39.0)
It is okay for drivers to use Ìgbó, loud, or càná
to cope with stress.
59(14.8)
62(15.5)
16(4.0)
111(27.8)
152(38.0)
It is okay for drivers to use kolanut (ojí) to
73(18.3)
71(17.8)
12(3.0)
99(24.8)
145(36.3)
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stay awake while driving.
There should be more educational programs
about the dangers of substance abuse for
drivers.
157(39.3)
138(34.5)
28(7.0)
24(60)
53(13.3)
Substance use by drivers does not need
regulation of any sort.
72(18.0)
63(15.8)
21(5.3)
124(31.0)
120(30.0)
I believe that there should be more support
programs for drivers to help manage stress
without resorting to substance use.
148(37.0)
161(40.3)
16(4.0)
16(4.0)
59(14.8)
Stricter laws against substance abuse among
drivers is absolutely necessary to improve
road safety.
111(27.8)
173(43.3)
0(0.0)
57(14.2)
59(14.8)
I feel personally responsible for ensuring I
drive safely, which includes not using
substances.
167(41.8)
153(38.3)
16(4.0)
30(7.5)
34(8.5)
The use of substances by drivers negatively
affects the reputation of our profession.
124(31.0)
138(34.5)
32(8.0)
52(13.0)
54(13.5)
The purported consequences of substance
abuse are unnecessarily overblown.
46(11.3)
111(27.8)
4(1.0)
160(40.0)
80(20.0)
Index: SA=strongly agree,A-agree, N=neutral, D=disagree, SD=strongly disagree
Table 6 shows that the tajority of respondents strongly disagree with the statement “For me, it is a shame as a
man to avoid taking beer” (176, 44.0%). Majority agrees that using ògógóró (káí káí) or beer occasionally is
“harmless” (92, 23.0%), although a strong proportion strongly disagrees (73, 18.3%).
Table 7A: Practice of Substance Abuse among Commercial Vehicle Drivers in Abakaliki Metropolis
Items
Number of
respondents (n=297)
Percentage
(%)
Which of the following substances have you used before?
Ògógóró (káí káí), beer, or palm wine
336
84.0
Cìgá
252
63.0
Èkpètèshí
101
25.3
Kolanut (ojí)
163
40.8
Ìgbó, loud or càná
182
45.5
Tramadol
104
26.0
Mkpúrú-mmīrī, meth, or ice
109
27.3
Other
54
13.5
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None
32
8.0
Which of the following is your most commonly used substance?
Ògógóró (káí káí), beer, or palm wine
110
27.5
Cìgá
146
36.5
Èkpètèshí
22
5.5
Kolanut (ojí)
20
5.0
Ìgbó, loud or càná
49
12.3
Tramadol
15
3.8
Mkpúrú-mmīrī, meth, or ice
24
6.0
Other
16
4.0
Which of the following is your least commonly substance?
Ogogoro, beer or palm
82
20.5
Cìgá
10
2.5
Èkpètèshí
29
7.2
Kolanut (ojí)
95
23.8
Ìgbó, loud or càná
40
10.0
Tramadol
63
15.8
Mkpúrú-mmīrī, meth, or ice
32
8.0
Other
42
10.5
Table 7A above shows that most of the drivers (336, 84%) agreed to have taken alcohol (ògógóró (káí káí),
beer, or palm wine) before. Majority say their most used substance is cigarette (cìgá) (146, 36.5%) and their
least used substance is kolanut (95, 23.8%).
Table 7B: Practice of Substance Abuse among Commercial Vehicle Drivers in Abakaliki Metropolis
(Continuation 1/2)
Items
Frequency
(N=297)
Percentage
(%)
How often do you consume the substance that you most commonly use?
At least once a day
243
60.8
Few to several times a week
123
30.8
Once a week
16
4.0
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Less than 4 times a month
10
2.5
How often do you use the substance that you least commonly use?
Few to several times a week
231
57.8
Once a week
41
10.3
Less than a 4 times a month
59
14.8
Less than once a month
61
15.3
In what situations are you most likely to use substances?
Before starting work
213
53.3
During work breaks
227
56.8
After work to unwind
200
50.0
Social gatherings
298
74.5
All of the above
151
37.8
Do you use substances to cope with the stress of your job?
Yes
215
53.8
No
177
44.3
Have you ever driven while under the influence of substances?
Yes
177
44.3
No
215
53.8
How long do you wait after taking substances before you drive?
Less than an hour
46
11.5
1-2 hours
109
27.3
3-4 hours
30
7.5
I do not drive after using substances
207
51.7
Where do you most commonly obtain the substances that you use?
Legal purchase
360
90.0
Friends or coworkers
114
28.5
Street dealers
246
61.5
Online
16
4.0
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Other
23
5.8
Does your substance use vary based on your work schedule or route?
Yes
110
27.5
No
282
70.5
Table 7B above shows the continuation of our assessment of the practice of substance abuse among the
respondents investigated in this study.
Table 7C: Practice of Substance Abuse among Commercial Vehicle Drivers in Abakaliki Metropolis
(Continuation 2/2)
Items
Frequency
(N=297)
Percentage
(%)
Have you increased your substance use over the past year?
Yes
121
30.3
No
271
67.8
Has your substance use led to any incidents or near-misses at work?
Yes
22
5.5
No
370
92.5
Have you ever been late or missed work due to substance use?
Yes
16
4.0
No
376*
94.0
Do you think lack of money leads to your use of substances?
Yes
32
8.0
No
360
90.0
How much of your monthly income do you spend on substances?
Too much
25
6.3
Not too much
81
20.3
Very little
286
71.5
Do you feel pressure from peers or colleagues to use substances?
Often
2
0.5
Sometimes
153
38.3
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Rarely
8
2.0
Never
229
57.3
Have you ever joined in substance use because others around you were
doing it?
Yes
177
44.3
No
215
53.8
Table 7C above shows the continuation of our assessment of the practice of substance abuse among the
respondents investigated in this study.
Table 8: Relationship between Socio-demographic Variables and Practice of Substance Abuse among
Commercial Vehicle Drivers in Abakaliki Metropolis
Socio-demographic variables
Practice of Substance Abuse among Commercial
Vehicle Drivers in Abakaliki Metropolis (N=297)
χ2
p-
value
Poor
Good
Age (years)
25-34
31(40.8%)
45(59.2%)
9.753
0.008
35-44
79(35.6%)
137(63.4%)
Above 45
21(21.0%)
79(79.0%)
Gender
Male
131(33.4%)
261(66.6%)
*
*
Female
0(0.0%)
0(0.0%)
Highest level of education
Primary education
76(35.8%)
136(64.2%)
2.579
0.275
Secondary education
45(32.8%)
92(67.2%)
Tertiary education
10(23.3%)
33(76.7%)
Years of driving experience
Less than 5 years
0(0.0%)
27(100.0%)
14.563
0.001
5-10 years
74(36.1%)
131(63.9%)
Above 10 years
57(35.6%)
103(64.4%)
Park
GUO
32(51.6%)
30(48.4%)
36.707
<0.001
Ifesinachi
15(48.4%)
16(51.6%)
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Okeyson
8(14.8%)
46(85.2%)
Peace
5(9.1%)
50(90.9%)
Other
71(37.4%)
119(62.6%)
Table 10 above shows the relationship between socio-demographic variables and knowledge of substance
abuse among commercial vehicle drivers in Abakaliki metropolis. The following were found to be statistically
significant: age (9.753, 0.008), years of driving experience (14.563, 0.001), and park from which the drivers
operated (36.707, <0.001).
DISCUSSION
The respondents from this study are mostly between 35-44 years of age, males and attained primary education.
This is explainable by the fact that before this age, they have spent most of their younger age looking for better
job opportunities which is not obtainable owing to the fact that they only attained primary education. They
finally settle for driving due to the burdens and responsibilities that follow male gender. This was the case of
this study where most of the respondents have more than 10 years’ experience, which may be related to their
age. This finding slightly differs in the reports of a study in Abia state, south east Nigeria, where most of the
respondents were found to be between 30-39 years, 97% males and attained secondary education.26 In Lagos,
south west region Nigeria where majority of the respondents are between 30-40 years attended secondary
school as their highest level of formal education, all males and have more than 5 years’ driving experiences.25
Majority of the commercial drivers is aware that substance abuse is a problem among commercial drivers in
Abakaliki. Which corroborates the findings of a preliminary investigation among commercial drivers in Ibadan
who abuse drugs but are unaware of psychoactive substances. This indicates that the respondents'
understanding of the meaning, kinds, and effects of substances was inadequate. This was inferred from the
weighted mean results of the respondents (1.99) being below the criterion (mean = 2.5) on the knowledge of
Psychoactive Substances among intra-city commercial drivers in Ibadan Metropolis.26
Concerning the knowledge of substance abuse among commercial drivers, about 83% of the respondents have
good knowledge of substance of abuse and its implications. Drivers in Ilorin, north central region, Nigeria on
the use of Psychoactive Substances, found a comparatively high degree of knowledge and awareness regarding
the availability, use, and presence of cannabis, alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine.26 In Lagos State, south west
region, Nigeria, a related study found that the percentage of respondents who were correctly informed about
substance usage and the consequences of substance use on behavioral change is 282 (78.8%).25 But, negates
the popular opinion of drivers in this study that substance use improves concentration. The respondents
showed vague knowledge of blood alcohol limit for drivers and legal penalties. This low level of knowledge
could be that legal blood alcohol level is too complex and technical to understand. The respondents knew that
the risk of becoming dependent on substance use increases with regular use which differs from a cross-
sectional study done in Minna, north central region, Nigeria, among motorcycle riders using a 20-point rating
system which was used to evaluate each respondent's knowledge and impression of the potential health effects
of use of substances. Slightly less than half (47.0%) of the respondents had a good knowledge of health
implications of psychoactive substance use.27
On attitude, the fact that about 75% have positive attitude may be due to effective education about risks and
consequences of substance use which could be linked to their general perception that the use of substances by
drivers affects the reputation of the driving profession and they feel personally responsible for ensuring safe
driving. In Niger State, north central region Nigeria, the attitude of motorcycle riders was assessed where a
score of ≤10 and >10 were classified as negative and positive perceptions respectively. Perception score
relating to use of substances was 11.2 ± 4.7. Many (54.4%) had a positive Attitude of use of substances, 53.0%
opined that some substances such as Cigarettes and Alcohol are socially acceptable while 52.6% were of the
perception that substances do not increase accident rate27 In Osun State, south west region, Nigeria a study
done to evaluate the attitude of commercial drivers towards substance abuse, results showed that 90% of the
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)
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Page 975
respondents have negative attitude towards substance abuse. Of those, 60% acquired the habit from peers and
40% from parents.28
More than half of the respondents use substances specially to cope with the stress of the job while 44.3% have
driven under the influence of substances which presents discordance between their knowledge level and
attitude. Among the 264 male Nigerian commercial truck drivers who took part in a multi-ethnic survey in
Kano State, north eastern Nigeria29, 111 (42.0%) reported taking illegal drugs recently, 55 (20.8%) used drugs
to increase their energy, and 90 (34.1%) reported feeling high after using illegal drugs. Among all the
substances, marijuana was the most frequently misused drug with 77 (29.2%), followed by benzodiazepines
with 34 (12.9%). The Hausa drivers had the highest concentration of psychoactive drugs in their urine samples.
The risk of testing positive for methamphetamines is considerably higher for van and truck drivers.30 In Iran,
south eastern region, Asia, 414 motorcycle riders took part in a survey involving men, ranging from 16 to
64years old, with a mean age of 27.9±9.3. Alcohol, opium, and cannabis usage were prevalent among drivers:
150 (36.2%), 29 (7.0%), and 15 (3.6%), respectively. Thirty-four (15.5%) people reported using drugs or
alcohol less than two hours before driving; 137 (33.1%) motorcycle riders reported wearing a crash helmet
most of the time or always whereas 31.2% of the drivers possessed a valid driver's license, and 33 (8.0%) of
them were younger than the 18-year-old legal minimum in Iran for obtaining a license.3 Another study in
Lagos State, south west region Nigeiria observed that the practice is not only for performance enhancement but
also for coping with job-related stress.3
The study revealed that age, driving experience, and the specific motor park significantly shape commercial
drivers’ practice of substance abuse.
Limitations of the Study
Despite the valuable insights provided by this study on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related
to substance abuse among commercial vehicle drivers in Abakaliki metropolis, several limitations must be
acknowledged.
Firstly, the scope of the study encompassed a broad range of substances,. While this wide coverage allowed for
a general overview of substance abuse patterns, it limited the depth of analysis that could be applied to any
single substance. Substances differ significantly in their patterns of use, sociocultural acceptance, health risks,
and legal status. As a result, combining them into a single KAP framework may have introduced conceptual
heterogeneity, making the study more exploratory in nature than analytically focused on a specific substance or
class of substances.
CONCLUSION
This study has revealed critical insights into the factors influencing substance abuse knowledge and practices
among commercial drivers in Abakaliki. Despite their low educational status, a significant majority
demonstrated good knowledge of the implications of substance abuse, recognizing that substances like alcohol,
cannabis, and tobacco impair driving abilities. While most drivers acknowledge the dangers of substance use, a
substantial proportion still admitted to use—often as coping mechanisms for job stress, fatigue, and pressure to
maintain long driving hours. Easy access and affordability of local alcoholic beverages and cigarettes further
compound this issue. Motor park environment, age and years of driving experience were significant factors.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Drivers should be encouraged to abstain from psychoactive substance abuse and understand that their choices
directly affect not only their own safety but that of passengers and other road users.
Forming peer-support groups to share healthy coping strategies can make a significant impact.
Drivers facing stress, fatigue, or addiction issues should be encouraged to seek help through available health
services or NGOs.
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Periodic sensitization by responsible agencies dangers of substance abuse should be energized.
Park unions should establish internal mechanisms to identify and discourage substance use, such as conducting
routine spot checks and creating a “whistle-blower” policy to report unsafe practices.
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