ASSESSMENT OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF COMMERCIAL DRIVERS IN SELECTED OSHODI TERMINAL IN LAGOS STATE

Abstract

Consumption of alcohol is prevalent among commercial drivers is a public health problem which has been of concern to the stakeholders. Therefore, this study examined dietary patterns, alcohol intake and nutritional status of commercial drivers at different motor parks in Oshodi Lagos state. Less than half (45.0%) of the respondents are between 31-40 years while 17.5% were between 21-30 years of age. Exactly 67.0% were Yoruba, 11.0% were Igbo while 2.2% were Hausa. Nearly 12.0% drove ordinary buses, while 44.5% of the drivers drove luxurious buses. Majority of the respondents (61.0%) earned above ₦90,000 monthly while 9.0% earned between ₦31,000- ₦60,000. Also, 24.5% were contacted in Terminal 1, while 25.0% and, 11.0% were contacted at Under-bridge park and Terminal 2 respectively. Above half (74.5%) ate thrice daily while 27.0% always skipped meals. Majority (76.5%) ate in-between meals while 23.5% did not. Above half (59.0%) ate snacks, ate fruits (7.0%), took juice (3.0%) while 5.0% ate food as in-between meals. Almost all consumed alcohol (85.5%) while 14.5% did not take alcohol. Almost half (45.5%) consumed alcohol frequently, (37.5%) took alcohol twice while (4.17%) took alcohol more than once. Also, 32.5% were heavy drinkers while 44.0% were mild drinkers. Nutritional status of the respondents showed that underweight, normal nutritional status, overweight and obese was 14.0%, 44.5%, 26.0% and 15.5% respectively. There was no significant association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and alcohol consumption pattern. Government should introduce nutrition mentoring program for all drivers.