Factors Related to Behavior of Amphetamine Taking Among Truck Drivers in Suphan Buri Province

Abstract

This survey research was aimed to study the situation of Amphetamine taking and factors related to behavior of Amphetamine taking among the truck drivers in Suphanburi province. Data was collected by the self-administer questionnaire and the Amphetamine taking was confirmed by urinary test. The total study population were 515 male truck drivers who drove the truck passed Suphanburi road junction in 3 districts : Bang-Pla-Ma, Song-Pee-Nong and Dan—Chang during Sept 3, 1997 to Oct 10, 1997. The result revealed that 78 truck drivers (15.10%) were positive in screening test and 39 of them (50%) were still positive in the confirming test. The 55 truck drivers (10.70%) conceded for Amphetamine taking but only 24 of them (43.64%) were positive in screening test. The behavior of Amphetamine taking in these truck drivers were taking Amphetamine immediately on driving 63.64% and taking with the beverage 41.82%. Frequency of Amphetamine taking was mostly single dose 34.54%. The major cause for Amphetamine taking was the persuation from  friends 50.91%. The factors significantly related to Amphetamine taking among truck drivers were  the number of family’s members and the experience in road traffic accident (p · value < .05). To reduce the incidence rate of Amphetamine taking, people should be educated in the effect of Amphetamine taking and the improvement in law enforcement for the Amphetamine takers, producers and sellers are still necessary.