Global Journal of Medical Research, K: Interdisciplinary, Volume 22 Issue 3

Table 7: Mode of Driver Training Training Number Driving School 87 Family/Friends 59 Learning on Job 55 Self Tutoring 49 Other 50 h) Time(Hrs) used to drive Table 8 b ellow indicates that more than 60 percent of the respondents drive for long hours ranging from 9 hours and above in a single trip. There is a relationship between substance use and hours of continuous driving. Stress and fatigue on thepart of the respondents influences the use of some chemical substances. As the illiteracy rate of the respondents is high, they are unaware of the dangers associated with use of these drugs. Table 8: Time used to drive Time(Hrs) Number 6 28 7 24 8 64 9 59 10+ 125 i) Common est D rugs Used by Drivers Table 9 s hows the commonest drugs usually administered by commercial drivers. In all, 102 respondents admitted to using some drugs as stimulants when driving. This represent 34 percent of the total respondents. Table 9: Types of Drug Use by Drivers Name of Drug Common or Local Name(s) Cannabis Marijuana, Wee, Ganja Opiates(Opium) Codeine, Morphine, Pethidine Volatile Inhalants Spray, Glue, Gases Tranquilizers(Sedatives) Volume (5,10), Blue-Blue Cocaine or Heroine White powder, Brown sugar, Crack Alcohol Akpeteshi, Beer Amphetamines(Stimulants) Nescafe, Ataya Cola Nuts Goro, Bissi Cigarette King Size, 555, Embassy j) Reasons for Drug Use Table 10 shows the reasons given by the respondents for the use and abuse of drugs. The commonest among the reasons were as follows; Sleeping without drug, fatigue, drive long hours and pressure from car owners. Few of the respondents are of the view that there are no regular checks for drug driving as well as strict drug policy for drivers. Table 10: Reasons for Drug Use Reason Number Obtain peace and calm 14 Keeps you awake 34 Addiction 6 Relieves fatigue 26 Difficult driving without drug 33 Pleasure while driving 22 33 Year 2022 Global Journal of Medical Research Volume XXII Issue III Version I ( D ) K © 2022 Global Journals Factors Influencing the use and Abuse of Drugs by Commercial Drivers: A Case of Commercial Drivers in Ghana