Factors Associated with the Consumption of Psychoactive Substances among Drivers of Vehicles on National Highway No. 1 of the Kinshasa-Kisantu Section

Abstract

Context and Objective: The consumption of psychoactive substances (PAS) is worrying in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It constitutes a real public health problem. Determining the factors associated with PAS consumption among vehicle drivers on National Road No. 1 of the Kinshasa-Kisantu section was the main objective. Methods: The quality-of-life scale (SF-12), perceived stress (PSS), anxiety-depression (HADS) and cognitive performance (MMTF) scales were used in a cross-sectional and analytical study conducted from November 2, 2020 to January 30, 2021 with 70 drivers. Sampling was non- probability and convenience. The variables of interest were sociodemographic and clinical. Univariate analysis and logistic regression made it possible to identify the associated and determining factors of SPA consumption. Results: The average age was 37.39 ± 8.6 years, all male, between 31 and 40 years old (54.3%), with secondary education (80%), single (52.9%), with a monthly income ≥ $250 (60%), having less than 5 dependents (67.1%), attending traditional churches (48.6%), consuming mainly beer (71.4%). They had a pathological level of stress (75.7%), anxiodepressive syndrome (40%), mild intellectual deterioration (60%), moderate (12.9%) and poor quality of life (60%). The factors associated with SPA consumption are: young age (ORa: 2.25CI95%: 1.47-4.03), singleness (ORa: 1.58CI95%: 1.09-3.23), pathological stress (ORa: 1.22CI95%: 1.05-1.71), anxiety-depression (ORa: 2.27CI95%: 1.63-8.15), neurocognitive disorders (ORa: 1.729CI95%: 1.36-8.31) and poor quality of life (ORa: 3.70CI95%: 4.89-6.21). Conclusion: The consumption of psychoactive substances among vehicle drivers on national road no. 1 of the Kinshasa-Kisantu section is worrying. It is associated with young age, single status, pathological stress, anxiety-depression, neurocognitive disorders and poor quality of life.