44. Causes of initiation and promotion of cannabis among local transport drivers of Peshawar

To determine the causes of initiation and promotion of cannabis smoking among local transport drivers of Peshawar. A descriptive observational study was conducted in main wagon and bus stoop in city, Haji camp bus stop and roadway house Hashtangri, from October 2009 to September 2010. A questionnaire was designed in accordance with the objectives of the study. Relevant information’s were recorded from the respondents on the pre-designed questionnaire. A total of 400 smoker drivers were included. Of total 181(45.25%) were cannabis/marjuana smokers. The age range of the cannabis smokers was from 16 years to 65 years of age with mean age of 35.5years. The distribution of smoking habits recorded was: cigarette smoking alone 19%, snuffing 23%, cannabis smoking 42.25%, heroin and cannabis smoking 3%, etc. Out of total cannabis smokers 43% were illiterate and 40% had primary education. Forty three percent had more than ten pack years of cannabis smoking. The exposure state of the respondents was: to compensate fatigue 39.21%, inspiration from friends 31.49%, parents were smokers 11.6%, pleasure to smoke 8.83% etc. Ninety percent were agree that cannabis is easily available to them. Fifty seven percent had poor social background. Thirty four percent had faced road accidents. The effect of cannabis on respondents was: lack of interest 36.46%, decreased memory 19%, depression 16%, sedation 5.52%, etc. Maximum number of the respondents (19.33%) wanted to quit cannabis smoking. Cannabis smoking is common in local transport drivers. The major causes that are involved in the initiation and progression of cannabis smoking are; driving in young age, poverty, lack of education, easy availability of cannabis, inspiration from colleagues and smoker parents.