Attention performance among Brazilian truck drivers and its association with amphetamine use: pilot study

de Oliveira, Lúcio Garcia; dos Santos, Bernardo; Gonçalves, Priscila Dib; Carvalho, Heráclito Barbosa; Massad, Eduardo; Leyton, Vilma · 2013 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.1590/s0034-8910.2013047004702

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Summary

This pilot study investigates the relationship between amphetamine use and attention performance among Brazilian truck drivers, addressing a significant public health concern regarding road traffic injuries. With over 1.24 million annual global deaths from traffic crashes, drug use is a critical risk factor, particularly in middle-income countries like Brazil. Truck drivers frequently report illicit amphetamine use to maintain alertness during long shifts, yet little is known about how this substance affects their cognitive functioning. The study aims to describe attention performance in this population and determine its association with amphetamine use. The researchers recruited a convenience sample of 22 male truck drivers at a service station on the Presidente Dutra highway in São Paulo in 2011. Participants completed anonymous questionnaires regarding personal data, occupational history, and drug use over lifetime, past 12 months, and past 30 days. They provided urine samples for screening amphetamines, cannabinoids, and cocaine metabolites. Attention functioning was assessed using standardized tests: selective attention was measured via the Stroop Color Word Test, Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT), and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), while sustained attention was evaluated using the Sustained Attention Test (TACOM). Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Drivers were categorized into amphetamine users (AU) and non-users (NAU) based on self-reported use in the preceding 12 months. Results indicated that 36.7% of drivers had used amphetamines in the past year, primarily to stay awake. Urine screenings were negative for all substances, indicating no acute intoxication at the time of testing. There were no significant differences between groups in selective attention tests or sleep quality. However, amphetamine users demonstrated significantly better performance on the sustained attention test (TACOM) compared to non-users (p < 0.01). Non-users showed the worst performance, with 95.4% of all participants scoring below average on sustained attention. Additionally, amphetamine users traveled significantly longer distances (average 1,156.7 km vs. 638.5 km) than non-users. The findings suggest that while amphetamine use may temporarily mask sustained attention deficits, it poses serious safety risks. The authors argue that the apparent advantage of increased alertness is outweighed by the subsequent fatigue, depression, and sleepiness when the stimulant effect wears off, which increases accident risk. The study highlights the need for stricter enforcement of laws regulating truck driver work schedules and amphetamine use in Brazil. Limitations include the small sample size and cross-sectional design, which prevent causal inferences. The authors recommend expanding the sample in future research to better evaluate the long-term effects of drug use on driving safety.

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• illicit drugs