Predictors of positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in a sample of Brazilian drivers

Translated title of the contribution: Predictors of positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in a sample of Brazilian drivers

Flavio Pechansky, Paulina do Carmo Arruda Vieira Duarte, Raquel De Boni, Carl G. Leukefeld, Lisia von Diemen, Daniela Benzano Bumaguin, Fernanda Kreische, Juliana Balbinot Hilgert, Mary Clarisse Bozzetti, Daniel Fernando Paludo Fuchs

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To verify the frequency of positive Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) among drivers and to examine associated factors in a cross-sectional study of Brazilian state capitals. Methods: 3,398 drivers were approached on highways crossing all 27 Brazilian capitals from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. (Fridays and Saturdays). They were breathalyzed and data on their driving characteristics and alcohol consumption were collected. Multivariate logistic regression following a hierarchical conceptual framework was used to evaluate associated factors. Results: The overall weighted prevalence of positive BAC (> 0.1 mg/L) was 4.2%. The multivariate analysis showed that education up to 8 years (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.4-3.0), age > 30 years (OR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.8-3.8), type of vehicle (cars: OR = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.7-5.1; motorcycles: OR = 3.7; 95% CI: 2.1-6.4), binge drinking (OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.3-2.4), having been breathalyzed before (OR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.8-3.7), and purpose of the trip (coming from a party: OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.3-3.0; leisure trip: OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.32.4; driving after 8 p.m.: OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.3-2.3) were independently associated with DUI. Conclusion: Study findings suggest that selected external environmental factors, such as socioeconomic and demographic characteristics as well as personal characteristics like alcohol consumption and the relationship between drinking and driving were associated with positive BAC among Brazilian drivers. Results can help to inform drinking and driving policy and preventive approaches.

Translated title of the contributionPredictors of positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in a sample of Brazilian drivers
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)277-285
Number of pages9
JournalRevista Brasileira de Psiquiatria
Volume34
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2012

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This study was funded by the National Secretariat for Drug Policies, under grant #2929-7. * Modest 6LJQLÀFDQW 6LJQLÀFDQW $PRXQWV JLYHQ WR WKH DXWKRU·V LQVWLWXWLRQ RU WR D FROOHDJXH IRU research in which the author has participation, not directly to the author.

Funding

This study was funded by the National Secretariat for Drug Policies, under grant #2929-7. * Modest 6LJQLÀFDQW 6LJQLÀFDQW $PRXQWV JLYHQ WR WKH DXWKRU·V LQVWLWXWLRQ RU WR D FROOHDJXH IRU research in which the author has participation, not directly to the author.

FundersFunder number
National Secretariat for Drug Policies2929-7

    Keywords

    • Alcohol
    • DUI
    • Epidemiology
    • Traffic

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Psychiatry and Mental health

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