Profile of Problems and Risk Factors Associated with Tobacco Consumption among Professional Drivers in Nigeria

Commercial drivers in Nigeria use tobacco while driving thereby making them vulnerable to developing nicotine dependence. The aim of this study was to describe the profile of problems and identify risk factors associated with tobacco dependence among these drivers. The study design utilized a multistage sampling method to interview 851 consenting subjects using the drug section of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Mean age of smoking initiation was 15.4±2.4 years. Current prevalence rate of using a tobacco product was 354 (41.6%). Health problems were the commonest profile of problems (39.6%) associated with nicotine dependence. Risk factors associated with nicotine dependence included cigarette smoking and cigarette/snuff combination, with P=0.01, respectively. In conclusion, commercial drivers require health educational awareness program about harmful consequences of tobacco and the government needs to enforce no-use tobacco policies within vehicles. The implementation of tobacco cessation programs for those with tobacco-related disorders will also be helpful.