Association of prescription drug misuse with risky motor vehicle behaviors among low-income young women

摘要

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between prescription drug misuse and risky motor vehicle behaviors among 16-24 year old women. A survey was conducted on misuse of four classes of prescription drugs (pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives) and past-month risky motor vehicle behaviors among these women during 2008-2010. Overall, 47.7% (1408/2952) of women reported risky motor vehicle behavior(s) in the past month. Misuse of one or more of the four classes was 30.1% (lifetime), 15.0% (past year), and 6.7% (past month). Misuse of one or more of these prescription drug classes was associated with risky motor vehicle behaviors in their lifetime (odds ratio (OR) 1.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.54-2.18), past year (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.80-2.83), and past month (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.94-3.78). Our finding that misuse of one or more of the four prescription drug classes, irrespective of when this last occurred, is associated with risky motor vehicle behaviors may help formulate awareness programs.