Introduction
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Alcohol consumption among commercial bus drivers represents a serious health concern. Apart from a few countries where alcohol is prohibited, impairment by alcohol is an important factor influencing both the risk of a road traffic crash as well as the severity and outcome of the injuries that result from it Murray C, Lopez AD (2005).
The frequency of drinking and driving varies between countries, but decades of research have shown that drink drivers have a significantly higher risk of being involved in a road crash than drivers who have not consumed alcohol. In most high-income countries about 20% of fatally injured drivers have excess alcohol in their blood, i.e. blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in excess of the legal limit. In contrast, studies in low- and middle-income countries have shown that between 33% and 69% of fatally injured drivers and between 8% and 29% of non fatally injured drivers had consumed alcohol before their crash Hingson R et al. (2000).
Alcohol consumption has occurred for thousands of years. In many parts of the world, drinking alcoholic beverages is a common feature of social gatherings. While alcohol use is deeply embedded in many societies, recent years have seen changes in drinking patterns across the globe: rates of consumption, drinking to excess among the general population and heavy episodic drinking among commercial bus drivers are on the rise in many countries. Nevertheless, the consumption of alcohol carries a risk of adverse health and social consequences related to its intoxicating, toxic and dependence-producing properties Abiodun OA et al. (1994).
The Essay on Effects Of Alcohol Web Drinking Alcoholic
Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) is known as alcohol. It is made by fermenting starch or sugar into different fruits and grains. Beer (usually about 5% alcohol), wine (usually 12 to 15% alcohol), and hard liquor (which is about 45% alcohol), are alcoholic beverages that are made by fermentation and distillation (1). Alcohol can lead to serious physical damage in all systems of the body, the most serious in ...
Alcohol consumption has health and social consequences via intoxication (drunkenness), dependence (habitual, compulsive and long-term drinking), and other biochemical effects. In addition to chronic diseases that may affect drinkers after many years of heavy use, alcohol contributes to traumatic outcomes that kill or disable at a relatively commercial bus drivers, resulting in the loss of many years of life to death or disability.
Patterns of alcohol use and the incidence of drink-driving vary considerably worldwide. In many countries where alcohol is consumed, those who drink also drive. Understanding drinking patterns and preventing hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption is a key component in reducing alcohol-related harm overall, including harm resulting from road crashes. Factors influencing the level of alcohol consumption in a country include environmental, socio-economic, religious, personal and behavioral issues. The WHO Global status report on alcohol 2004 examined the rates of abstainers, heavy drinkers and binge drinkers across countries and found considerable variations WHO (2004).
Alcohol consumption is associated with a number of negative health and social consequences such as impaired brain development, suicide and depression, loss of memory, high risk sexual behavior, addiction, impaired decision making, violence, and motor vehicle accidents (injuries and fatalities) (Bronomo et al., 2001).
The widespread and increasing use of alcohol among commercial bus drivers is drawing attention to the public health consequences of alcohol consumption. Recent evidence from World Bank and WHO (cited in the publication Global Burden of Disease) studies show that alcohol-related death and disability impact is substantial. The harmful effects of alcohol use on health and the possibility of developing dependence have been recognized as issues of great concern for a long time WHO (2009).
Alcohol is estimated to cause about 20- 30% worldwide of oesophageal cancer, liver cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, homicide, epilepsy, and motor vehicle accidents Velleman R. (2001).
The Term Paper on Alcohol Moderate Consumption
About a week ago, I was passively watching television until a governmentally-funded advertisement caught my eye. In this commercial, a young child goes to the family refrigerator and gets his father a bottle of beer. Then a stereotypical narrator says, "When some parents crave their favorite drug, they " ll even use their own kids to get it. Alcohol is the number one drug problem in this country. ...
The Global Burden of Disease Study found that alcohol was responsible in 1990 for 3.5 per cent of all disability-adjusted life years (more than tobacco or illegal drugs).
While adverse health outcomes from longterm chronic alcohol use may not cause death or disability until late in life, acute health consequences of alcohol use, including intentional and unintentional injuries, are far more common among commercial bus drivers Hawkins JD et al. (2005).
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Globally, alcohol consumption has increased in recent decades, with all or most of that increase in developing countries. World-wide, five per cent of all deaths of people between the ages of 5 and 29 in 1990 were attributable to alcohol use Aarons GA et al. (2004).
Alcohol has many functions in society and bears important cultural, religious and symbolic meanings in most countries. But it is also a drug with many toxic effects and other dangers such as intoxication and dependence. The health burden related to excessive alcohol consumption, both in terms of morbidity and mortality, is considerable in most parts of the world (Rehm et al., 2009; WHO,2004a).
High alcohol intake is associated with numerous harmful health and social consequences, such as increased risk of heart, stroke and vascular diseases, as well as liver cirrhosis and certain cancers. Foetal exposure to alcohol increases the risk of birth defects and intellectual impairments.
Alcohol also contributes to death and disability through accidents and injuries, assault, violence, homicide and suicide, and is estimated to cause more than 2 million deaths worldwide per year. Intoxicants such as alcohol affect the mental state of drivers leading to altered perceptions and delayed reactions, increasing the risk for having RTCs Aarons GA et al. (2004).
Alcohol results in impairment of brake reaction time, speed control, steering responsiveness and lane control, it also causes deficits in tracking, attention, reaction time, short-term memory, hand eye coordination, decision making, and concentration European Commission (2002).Alcohol also increases the tendency of involvement in high risk behaviors on the road such as speeding Gureje O. (1999).
The Essay on Alcohol Topic Problem Accidents Consumption
Topic: Alcohol should be banned Thematic Statement: Alcoholism is a major problem in the United States because it is a socially acceptable drug. I. Introduction: A. Alcohol is built into our social system. 1. It is used for any and every occasion a. Weddings b. Birthdays c. Holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving. B. It is the most Legal and Lethal drug available. C. The abuse of Alcohol costs ...
Crash culpability is directly associated with intoxicant use Adelekan ML et al. (2007).
While up to twenty-one percent of road traffic crashes may be attributable to alcohol consumption alone in some regions of the world WHO (2009).
The immediate effects of alcohol on the brain are either depressing or stimulating in nature, depending on the quantity consumed. Either way, alcohol results in impairment which increases the likelihood of a crash since it produces poor judgement, increased reaction time, lower vigilance and decreased visual acuity. Physiologically, alcohol also lowers blood pressure and depresses consciousness and respiration. Alcohol also has analgesic and general anaesthetic properties. Alcohol can impair judgement and increase crash risk even at relatively low BAC levels. However, the effects become progressively worse as the BAC increases. Not only do judgement and reaction time suffer, but vision also deteriorates. Apart from its direct impact on crash outcomes, alcohol is believed to affect other aspects of driver safety such as seat-belt wearing, helmet use, and speed choice. Although detailed consideration of drugs other than alcohol has been deliberately omitted from this manual, the consumption of alcohol, due partly to its tendency to reduce inhibition, is often associated with the use of other drugs which can impact upon driving performance Grant BF, Dawson DA. (2001).
Alcohol impairment has a significant effect on the crash risk of drivers, riders and pedestrians; it is routinely reported as one of the most serious contributing factors to road crashes in motorized countries. Drivers who have been drinking have a much higher risk of involvement in crashes than those with no alcohol in their blood, and this risk grows rapidly with increasing blood alcohol concentration. For motorcyclists, having a BAC over 0.05 g/100 ml has been estimated to increase crash risk by up to 40 times compared to having a zero BAC . Commercial buses crashes due to substance abuse can be very hazardous for both the drivers and for other vehicle occupants involved in the crash Grant and Dawson (2001).
The Essay on Alcohol Misuse Among Minors Uk
Alcoholic drinks, in todays society, have become an accepted part of social life. However, when alcohol is mixed with driving, catastrophic consequences can occur. In fact, 1 in 5 fatal accidents on our roads are directly related to alcohol. Is our government doing enough to deter people from drinking and driving? Each week, around 11 people die from driving above the legal limit, just under half ...
This is kept in check in developed countries by strict substance abuse monitoring mechanisms for this population leading to low levels of usage Sampson et al.(2001).
However studies from low-middle income countries still show 4%–69% of injured drivers having alcohol in their blood Sampson et al.(2001); although alcohol use is not well documented from the developing world Edwards G et al. (2001).
A significant proportion of commercial drivers use stimulants to keep awake and relieve fatigue during their long work schedules. This usage is also associated with increased risk for crashes in this population Cicero et al. (2003).
Alcohol consumption among adults
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The general objective of this study is to alcohol consumption and driving culture of commercial bus drivers.
The specific objectives are as follows:
I. To determine prevalence and pattern of alcohol consumption among commercial bus drivers.
II. To evaluate the level of awareness of the harmful consequences of drinking among commercial bus drivers
III. T o examine the attitudes and behaviour of commercial bus drivers as a result of level of consumption
IV. To determine the relationship between alcohol consumption and driving culture among commercial drivers.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
I. What is prevalence and pattern of alcohol consumption among commercial bus drivers?
II. What are the levels of awareness of the harmful consequences of drinking among commercial bus drivers?
III. What are the attitudes and behaviour of commercial bus drivers as a result of level of consumption?
IV. What are the relationship between alcohol consumption and driving culture among commercial drivers?
RESEARCH HYPOTHESES
A hypothesis can be defined as a logically conjectured relationship between two or more variables that highlight in the statement. Relationship is conjectured on the basis of the network of association established in the theoretical framework formulated for the research study. Based on (Cavana, 2001) by testing the hypothesis and confirming the conjectured relationships, it is expected that solution can be found to correct the problem encountered. The following hypothesis is generated:
The Essay on Effects If Alcohol On Drivers Performs
The use of alcohol has been a major problem in our society A serious problem of alcohol is that of drunk drivers Facts About Alcohol Alcohol is a common name for chemical substances ethanol, grain alcohol or ethyl alcohol Not digested but absorbed into the bloodstream Alcohol is a major factor in nearly 41% of traffic accidents where some one is killed Nearly 60% of all Fatalities during holidays ...
Hypothesis One
H0 There is no awareness of the harmful consequences of drinking culture among commercial bus drivers
H1 There is awareness of the harmful consequences of drinking culture among commercial bus drivers
Hypothesis Two
H0 Attitudes and behaviour of commercial bus drivers do not determine the level of their consumption culture
H1 Attitudes and behaviour of commercial bus drivers determine the level of their consumption culture
Hypothesis Three
H0 There is no relationship between alcohol consumption and driving culture of commercial drivers
H1 There is a relationship between alcohol consumption and driving culture of commercial drivers
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The findings of this research will have important practical implication on commercial bus drivers. The implications of the study will also be relevant to other consumption of alcohol and their drinking pattern.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The scope of this study shall be within Ojuelegba and Shomolu Garages. The commercial bus drivers are the respondents to whom the research questionnaires will be administered. A study of this nature would have covered all the Garages in Lagos State for more reliable generalization, but due to time and resource, the research has to be limited to only two garages in Lagos State.
DEFINATION OF TERMS
Alcohol
The term “alcohol” in its purest sense denotes “ethyl alcohol or ethanol”, a liquid which is obtained from the action of yeast on sugar, but in colloquial terms it usually refers to “a drink such as beer, wine and whiskey that can make people drunk”.
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol consumption is known as drinking of beverages containing ethyl alcohol
Alcoholic beverage
Alcoholic beverages are consumed largely for their physiological and psychological effects, but they are often consumed within specific social contexts and may even be a part of religious practices.
The Term Paper on Beta Endorphin Alcohol Study Alcoholism
When one suggests that a behavior is determined genetically, then one horribly oversimplifies the situation, and negates the importance of culture and free will in determining how a person behaves. One behavior that has gained large-scale acceptance as having a partial genetic cause is that of alcoholism. This genetic cause I expressed in terms of risk factor. It has often been noted that the ...
Commercial Bus Drivers
Commercial bus drivers are persons who drive buses professionally
Alcoholic beverages
Alcoholic beverages include wines, beers, and spirits. In beers the alcohol content varies from as little as 2 percent to as much as 8 percent; most lager- or ale-type .
Alcohol abuse
Alcohol abuse, as described in the DSM-IV, is a psychiatric diagnosis describing the recurring use of alcoholic beverages despite negative consequences.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research methodology is a specification of procedure for collection and analyzing data necessary in carrying out a research study. The primary data of this study would be gathered quantitatively through cross- sectional survey method. Cross sectional survey was adopted because data will be collected at a particular point in time from the selected sample and their responses would be used to describe and explain the characteristics of the entire study population. Research instrument that would be adopted is questionnaire, which would be used to generate information from the respondents on the phenomenon under study. The population of the study will comprises of two garages in Lagos metropolis and the sample size will be 100 commercial bus drivers.
The responses that will be obtained through the questionnaires will constitute the primary data which will be analyzed in the study. Chi-Square will be used to test the hypotheses. Chi-Square was favored because it shows cause – effect relationship between two variables. The data that was obtained from the field of study (survey) was edited, coded and processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software. Pearson Chi Square Statistical Test was finally used for the testing of the hypotheses through (SPSS), this enable the researcher to establish the relationship between the identified variables. The decision of the hypotheses was based on the comparisons of both calculated and tabulated X2 at 0.05% level of significance.
LITERATURE REVIEW
The review that was used for this study entail all relevant works that have been done by other researchers in the area of inquiry. The review is usually presented as summaries indicating the source (including names of authors, titles of books/journals, titles of articles, publishers, years of publication, e.t.c.) of such works. The literature review also entails a critical assessment of such works, indication of their strengths and weaknesses. However, the purpose of this literature review is to provide in-depth information about the area of enquiry.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
The importance of theoretical orientation arises from the relevance of theory to research. Theory offers a conceptual schema by which the relevant phenomena are systematized, classified and interrelated. Theory helps us to identify the facts to be studied and which kinds of facts are relevant. According to Parsons (1964) “theory is a set of logically interdependent generalized concept of empirical reference”. Different theoretical perspectives have been used by various scholars to explain alcohol consumption. They have equally sought to provide explanations for the commercial driving culture.
In attempting to understand alcohol consumption and commercial driving culture, it is necessary to discuss the different theories that have developed over time, as various schools of thought have brought their differing ideas and knowledge to explain the phenomenon. However, there are various theories of alcohol consumption, which attempt to explain the alcohol consumption and commercial driving culture. Thus, this study will be organized and analyzed within the frame-work of the following theories:
(1) Robert K. Merton: Theory of Anomic
(2) Marxist theories
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