Substance use among boda boda riders (commercial motorcyclists) working in Kamwokya Slum, Kampala Capital City, Uganda

Abstract

In Uganda, commercial motorcyclists (Boda boda riders) in slums are vulnerable road users whose road use is significantly impaired by substance use. Therefore, the study was carried out to to assess the determinants of substance use among boda boda riders working in slum of Kamwokya in Kampala city. Objectives: The main objective of the study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with substance use among boda boda riders working in slums of Kamwokya in Kampala city. Methodology: A cross-sectional study among 429 commercial motorcyclists aged 18 years and above was conducted in Kamwokya slum, Kampala city. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS then conducted univariate analysis and multivariable analysis using logistic regression to find factors associated with substance use among boda boda riders working in Kamwokya slums. Results: The prevalence of current substance use among commercial motorcyclists operating from Kamwokya slum was 26% (110/429). The majority consumed alcohol. Factors associated with substance use included; Boda boda riders younger than 20 years were almost twice more likely to use substances [APR; 1.61 95%CI (1.05-2.48)]. compared to those older than 40 years, those who had loans to pay were twice more likely to use drugs compared to those who did not have loans to pay (APR; 1.87 95%CI 1.41-2.60), those who had spent between 5-10 years in the industry (APR; 1.67, 95%CI 1.18-2.34) was more likely to use substances, compared to those who spent less than 5 years in the industry Conclusion: One in every four of the commercial motorcyclists operating from Kamwokya slum used at least a psychotropic substance and alcohol was the most frequent substance of use. Recommendation: To reduce substance use among these commercial motorcyclists, the Ministry of Health working with the local leadership of the area and motorcyclists should design appropriate behavioral change interventions aimed at reducing substance use among the motorcyclists who are younger than 20 years, those who had loans to pay and those who had spent between 5-10 years in the industry.