The association between the score of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity traits and risky driving behaviors with alcohol intake and narcotics consumption among Iranian motorcyclists

Abstract

Background

Motorcycle drivers are among the most vulnerable road users, accounting for a large proportion of global traffic accidents. This study aimed to investigate the association between the score of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD) traits and risky driving behaviors (RDB) with alcohol intake (AI) and narcotics consumption (NC) among motorcyclists in Iran.

Methods

This multi-center cross-sectional study encompassed 1747 motorcyclists from three cities in Iran. A random sampling method was applied in this study, and the required data was collected using three standard questionnaires on ADHD, substance abuse, and RDB. Independent sample t-test, covariance analysis, and quantile regression (QR) were used to analyze the data.

Results

The results of t-test and analysis of covariance indicated that AI and NC were significantly associated with ADHD score and RDB among the motorcycle drivers. Additionally, the QR models showed that these effects were significant at all quantiles of ADHD and RDB, even for individuals who were at lower quantiles.

Conclusions

Considering the potential dangers of driving after AI and NC, appropriate measures should be adopted before certifying a driving license to screen ADHD as a predisposing factor for substance abuse and RDB. Furthermore, it is essential to equip traffic police with adequate diagnosis kits and establish heavy penalties for the offenders. In this regard, all interventions aimed to reduce traffic accidents among motorcycle drivers should be done considering the interrelationship between ADHD, RDB, and substance abuse.

Keywords:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• alcohol intake
• narcotics consumption
• risky driving behavior
• motorcycle drivers
• CAARS
• Iran

Acknowledgments

This study is supported by Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. We thank the participants for their sincere cooperation.

Disclosure statement

The authors do not have any conflict of interest regarding the study.

Data availability statement

The dataset used and analyzed during this study is available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This study was undertaken as part of a Ph.D. thesis and was supported by a grant awarded from the Deputy of Research and Technology at the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences.