Work Stress and the Incidence of Drug Use among Commercial Tricycle Riders in Ilorin Metropolis

Abstract

This study investigated the interplay between work-related stress and drug use among commercial tricycle riders in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria. Utilizing a quantitative research design, data were gathered from 220 participants through a structured questionnaire. The study unveiled a range of significant work-related stressors faced by these riders, including financial instability, prolonged working hours, traffic congestion. Remarkably, the study found that majority of respondents resorted to drug use as a coping mechanism for stress, encompassing substances like alcohol, inhalation and injection of substances. Regression analysis confirmed a noteworthy association between work-related stress and drug use. These findings underscore the urgent need for tailored interventions and policies to address the well-being and safety of commercial tricycle riders. Recommendations include implementing stress management programmes that are customised to the particular issues that tricycle riders experience, Create and implement financial literacy programmes tailored to tricycle riders.