Driving after alcohol consumption among residents of Northeastern Brazil: National Health Survey 2019

Epidemiol Serv Saude. 2024 Oct 14:33:e2024455. doi: 10.1590/S2237-96222024v33e2024455.en. eCollection 2024.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of factors associated with drinking and driving in Northeastern Brazil.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted with participants from the 2019 National Health Survey, aged ≥ 18 years; the analysis of the association between sociodemographic variables and the outcome, stratified by sex, was performed using Poisson regression.

Results: The prevalence of drinking and driving was 21.0% ( 95%CI 19.9;23.2), with 24.6% ( 95%CI 22.7;26.5), in males and 10.1 % ( 95%CI 7.9;12.7), in females (p-value < 0.001); among men, younger age groups (PR = 1.70 - 95%CI 1.29;2.24), higher household income (PR = 1.74 - 95%CI 1.33;2.28), rural residence (PR = 1.48 - 95%CI 1.26;1.74) and motorcycle riding (PR = 1.29 - 95%CI 1.05;1.58) were associated with the event, while no association was observed among women.

Conclusion: Prevalence of drinking and driving was high in the Northeast region, especially among the male population; preventive measures targeting this group and intensified enforcement are necessary.

Main results: The prevalence of drinking and driving was high, significantly greater in males when compared to females; positive associations between sociodemographic variables and the event were observed only in the male population.

Implications for services: Intersectoral actions, involving health services and regulatory bodies, are essential to reduce the habit of drinking and driving, especially among males, in addition to promoting a safer road environment in the Northeast region.

Perspectives: It is necessary to strengthen enforcement measures for alcohol consumption and driving, especially in rural areas and among motorcycle riders, in addition to implementing traffic education programs and awareness campaigns.

Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia y analizar factores asociados al consumo de alcohol y conducir en el Nordeste de Brasil.

Métodos: Estudio transversal con participantes de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2019, ≥ 18 años; se analizó la asociación entre variables sociodemográficas y el resultado, estratificadas por sexo, mediante regresión de Poisson.

Resultados: La prevalencia de beber y conducir fue del 21,0% (IC95% 19,9;23,2), 24,6% (IC95% 22,7;26,5) en hombres y 10,1% (IC95% 7,9;12,7) en mujeres (p-valor < 0,001); en hombres, franja etaria más joven (RP = 1,70 – IC95%1,29;2,24), mayor ingreso familiar (RP = 1,74 –IC95% 1,33;2,28), en áreas rurales (RP = 1,48 – IC95% 1,26;1,74) y conducir motocicleta (RP = 1,29 – IC95% 1,05;1,58) se asociaron al evento; en las mujeres no se observaron asociaciones.

Conclusión: La prevalencia de beber y conducir fue alta en el Nordeste específicamente entre hombres. Son necesarias medidas preventivas para esta población e intensificación de la supervisión.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Alcohol Drinking* / epidemiology
  • Automobile Driving / statistics & numerical data
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Driving Under the Influence* / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Health Surveys*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motorcycles / statistics & numerical data
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Rural Population / statistics & numerical data
  • Sex Factors
  • Sociodemographic Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Young Adult

Grants and funding

The study received financial support in the form of a master’s scholarship granted to Renata da Silva Gomes by the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado da Bahia (Process nº 084.0508.2022.0000235-40).