Prevalence And Factors Associated With The Abuse Of Tramadol Among Commercial Motorcycle (Okada) Riders in The Ellembelle District in the Western Region of Ghana.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: In recent times, Tramadol has been named among the most commonly abused drugs among the youth in Ghana. Most studies have revealed that the long-term use of Tramadol has negative consequences such as addiction, dependence, and mental instability. Research on Tramadol abuse among commercial motorcycle riders (Okada) in Ghana is however limited. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of Tramadol abuse and factors associated with its abuse among Commercial motorcycle riders in the Ellembelle District in the Western Region of Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a total of 424 Okada riders from 5 sub-districts in the Ellembelle District. Using a well-structured open and closed-ended questionnaire, study participants were conveniently selected to assess Tramadol abuse. STATA version 15 was used to analyze the data. A Chi-squared test and logistic regression model were used to determine the factors that are associated with the abuse of Tramadol. The prevalence of Tramadol use was determined by the proportion of respondents who used Tramadol to the total number of respondents. Results: The mean age of respondents was 25.1± 5.3 years. The prevalence of Tramadol use among Okada riders was 24.3%. Higher prevalence was found among respondents in the age range of 23-28 years (35.9%) and 18-22 years (33.0%). A proportion of 27.3% of respondents used Tramadol alone, whereas 73% used Tramadol with other substances such as alcohol, marijuana cocaine and energy drinks. The main factors that contributed to Tramadol abuse among Okada riders were socio-demographic factors such as the age, marital status, educational level, previous occupation, and cultural influences. Many people abuse Tramadol for various reasons such as for pain reliever, energy boosting for hard work and sex and for euphoric effect. Conclusion: Tramadol abuse was high among Okada riders. Being of a younger age less than 29 years, being single, having low level of education, having easy access to Tramadol, history of drug and alcohol use, strong influence from friends, religious and family background of respondent served as contributing factors of Tramadol abuse.