Prevalence Of Drug Abuse Among Drivers In Minia Governorate

Background: In Egypt, drug abuse is one of the dangerous problems that threaten the young adults and worry the government. One of the most essential points for drug abusers are those dealing with the transportation and driving on the road because substance abuse increases the possibility of death after road accidents. Subjects & methods: The study was conducted in Minia Governorate in order to determine the prevalence of drug abuse in urine samples of drivers. The screening test was done with the co-operation of health ministry and ministry of interior. The study was conducted in Minia Governorate from 6th September 2014 till 5th February 2015 on 3338 male drivers aged (16-70) years old. Results: The test was positive in 473 drivers (14.2%). The highest percentage of drug abuse was observed among age group (18-30) years old. The prevalence of tramadol was 7.2%, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) 3.6%, opium 0.15%, benzodiazepines 0.03%, combined tramadol and THC 2.9%, tramadol and opium 0.1%, tramadol and benzodiazepines 0.03%, combined tramadol, THC and opium 0.2%. According to vehicle type; taxi and microbus drivers had the highest percentage of drug abuse followed by private cars then truck drivers. There is decrease in number of positive cases among the period of study from September till February. Conclusion: The highest percentage of drug abuse is among age group (18-30) years old. Tramadol is the most common drug of abuse among drivers in Minia Governorate.