Uso de estimulantes, queixa do sono e estado de humor em motoristas profissionais de caminhão

Abstract

The traffic accidents involving truck drivers put in risk the life of these professionals as well as the society in general. The consumption of stimulants and drugs of abuse, the sleep disturbance, the age, the fatigue and the rhythm of work; the imprudence, the conditions of the rail ways can be the main causes. There are few studies in Brazil articulating the use of stimulants, the problems of sleep and the state of mood of these professionals. Thus, because of the singular rhythm of life and the vices of this population it is important to make studies to try to reduce the accidents in Brazilian roads. Studies had been lead to investigate the use of stimulants, the complaints related to sleep and the state of mood in 300 professional truck drivers by means of the following questionnaires: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Questionnaire on the Use of Medicine and Drugs, M.I.N.I (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview) and Beck Depression Inventory. The data indicate that the average age of the professionals interviewed was 38.2 years and that about 51.5% was autonomous. The majority of the drivers used to work above 60 weekly hours and used to drive more than 10 followed hours without rest or sleep. Autonomous workers were older, had a better educational level, a better salary and drink less alcohol than the salaried employee. Autonomous workers also worked more hours per week, however they used to drive less followed hours than the salaried employee. This suggests that autonomous workers are more experienced and more careful than the salaried employee. A percentage of 34.9% of the individuals affirmed to use amphetamines not to doze while on duty and 90.7% said to know colleagues who used them with the same purpose, what suggest that more drivers use amphetamines and they had not wanted to admit. Forty six percent of the interviewed people had bad quality of sleep and 55.0% presented excessive sleepiness. It can be said that in general the drivers do not sleep well, fact that it is not compatible with the profession. Depressive state was observed in 13.7% of the drivers, percentage that is above the average found in some studies with populations in general. Because of long and exhausting hours of working without rest, the truck drivers use amphetamines not to doze, have sleep disturbance, excessive sleepiness and depression. Thus, it is necessary to do something to reduce the risks of accidents, involving the drivers, the companies of loads and the authorities.