Evaluation of the prevalence use of amphetamine, cocaine and cannabis amongst truck drivers on highways from the state of São Paulo

Abstract

Introduction: In Brazil in, the last year, about 40,000 individuals were victims of fatal traffic accidents (TA), and nearly 15,000 deaths only in the Southeast of the country. It is known that drug use is a contributing factor to this outcome, since it encourages the driver to make decisions about risk. The situation is even worse among truck drivers transporting cargo in the country. The problem of drug abuse in the direction already become a public health concern, not only in Brazil but also in countries of North America and Europe. However, Brazilian studies based on toxicological analyzes of biological samples are scarce, even in that population of professionals. In this sense, the goal of this research proposal is to investigate the use of alcohol and other drugs by truck drivers that travel the highway in the State of Sao Paulo through toxicological analysis of urine samples, and to relate to the possible use of health information and occupational these professionals. The aim is to collect about 200 urine samples from drivers participating in the program "Comandos da Saúde" of the highway concessionaire CCR/ViaOeste throughout the year 2012. The socio-demographic information, occupational and health of drivers will be obtained through a structured questionnaire. The results serve to support the competent authorities in the formulation of public policies, as well as possible changes in legislation regulating the work of professionals, and to update the scientific community and general on the subject. Finally, this study is a subproject of research linked to Aid Young Investigator entitled "Study on multiple drug use, cognitive functioning, mental, emotional and sleep disorders among truck drivers in the State of São Paulo" (FAPESP Process n ° 2011 / 11682-0), which will be developed by the team of researchers from University of Sao Paulo.