Identification of alcohol problem among long route bus drivers and staffs of Dharan, eastern Nepal: Assessing from the CAGE and DSM-IV tools

Background: Alcohol use remains a major cause of preventable death worldwide occurring prematurely. Despite its global burden, alcohol still is a legal drug. Various studies have also shown that factors like education, occupation, influence from films and family, for stress relief, pleasure during alcohol use, better self-esteem, and occupational boredom are associated with alcohol use. The consumption of alcohol, even in relatively small amounts, increases the risk of being involved in a crash for motorists and pedestrians. It is also associated with impaired judgments and so is often linked to road traffic accident. Objectives: To assess the prevalence, type of alcohol use, and the associated factors for the initiation of alcohol use among bus drivers and staffs of long route bus of Dharan. To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding alcohol use for their willingness to quit it with medical help. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional survey was conducted in 250 long route drivers and staffs in Dharan Bus Park in 2016 with the help of a self-designed questionnaire in Nepali language. The sample size was preliminarily estimated on the basis of the prevalence of alcohol use. The “Alcohol consumer” refers to drivers who used alcohol at least once in the previous year. Results: Alcohol dependency among Hindu was found to be significantly more than other religious group. The prevalence of alcohol consumption was found to be 78%. About 51% drivers are likely to have alcohol problems, 39% are alcohol abuser, and 45% are alcohol dependent. Conclusion: Drinking and driving increase the vulnerability to injury and death on the road. The study creates awareness among drivers about the harmful use of alcohol and psychosocial consequences