Impact of the psychoactive substances testing requirement on the consumption of amphetamines by truckers

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the impact of the hair drug testing requirement on amphetamine use by truck drivers. Method: a cross-sectional exploratory descriptive study was conducted, with data collection in the Metropolitan Region of the capital of Rio Grande do Sul. To characterize the population and assess the impact of the test requirement, we applied a structured instrument with questions about personal and occupational information, use of amphetamines, Law 13,103/2015, and the hair test. Results: a total of 97 drivers were interviewed, with a mean age of 38 years, 99% were male. Regarding the use of amphetamines, 20.6% admitted to using this substance, being possible to observe that the number of users is higher among self-employed drivers and those who travel long distances (p<0.05). Conclusion: this study indicates that the requirement of hair testing for drug use did not reduce the consumption of amphetamines by truck drivers. The other information collected points out, as possible causes, the working conditions and the poor road conditions, which require long working hours, as well as the ease of acquiring drugs and false reports for the tests.