Prevalence of consumption of psychoactive substances amongst Moroccan taxi drivers

Main Article Content

Omar Laraqui
Salwa Laraqui
Nadia Manar
Tarik Ghailan
Reda Hammouda
Frédéric Deschamps
Chakib El Houssine Laraqui

Keywords

taxi drivers, addictive substances, socio-demographic characteristics, Morocco

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of psychoactive substances is constantly increasing in developing countries, and all professional sectors are concerned. Taxi drivers are a particular target because of the dangerousness and complexity of their work. However, few studies have investigated toxic habits in this population. Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of the use and misuse of addictive substances in taxi drivers and to appreciate poly-consumptions according to socio-demographic and occupational characteristics. Methods: This cross-sectional study took place in five big cities during the second quarter of 2014, and was conducted amongst 2,927 taxi drivers who went through official, obligatory control areas on a daily basis. The questionnaire covered socio-demographic and occupational characteristics, toxic habits (tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and others psychotropic substances). The misuse was assessed by specific tests: Fagerström test for tobacco smoking, Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) and DETA (Diminuer, Entourage, Trop, Alcool) test for alcohol. Results: The prevalence of consumption was 36.6% for smoking tobacco, 18.4% for cannabis, and 10.5% for alcohol. Amongst consumers, the prevalence of dependence or misuse was 36.6% for smoking tobacco, 37.2% for cannabis and 56.5% for alcohol. Fifty point three percent had no toxic habit, 35 % had one toxic habit, 11.5% had two toxic habits, 2.7% had three toxic habits and 0.6% had four toxic habits. The most frequent associations were tobacco-alcohol (6.8%) and tobacco-cannabis (4.1%). Conclusions: The elaboration of the prevention approach needs a cooperative spirit. It will be more accepted and applied if all taxi drivers, their representatives and road safety officers are involved in its preparation.

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