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Increasing Substance Use as a Cause of Road Transport Crashes in Nigeria: A Review of the Screening Methods

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DOI: 10.21522/TIJMD.2013.09.04.Art006

Authors : Evaristus Chino Ezema, Gideon Idoko, Nkem Nkwonta, Samuel Alao, David Chibututu Nwobu, Celestina Chinyere Udeh, Ogochukwu Agazie, Linda Keke, Ebere E. Obasi, Vishal Gowda

Abstract:

Road transport crashes contribute to significant morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Psychoactive substance abuse among drivers contribute to the crash. However, screening for substance use among drivers are inconsistent. To determine the available screening methods for identifying psychoactive substance use among drivers in Nigeria, a systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Four studies were identified and 50% of them met the inclusion criteria. Urine toxicology testing and breathalyzer testing were the main screening methods identified. The toxicology assays can detect many substances while breathalyzers provide rapid roadside detection of alcohol. A unified screening protocol for substance use among drivers in Nigeria is lacking. Developing and implementing a unified comprehensive screening will improve road safety in Nigeria

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