Alcohol Drinking Behaviours among Bus Drivers and Staffs of Banke District, Nepal

Alcohol consumption is a significant public health concern worldwide, contributing substantially to disease burden and fatalities, especially among drivers. In Nepal, alcohol use is culturally accepted and widely prevalent, with evidence suggesting high consumption rates among bus drivers. This study aims to investigate alcohol consumption and drinking behaviours among bus drivers and staff's in the Banke district of Nepal.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 195 drivers and staff of public passenger vehicles categorized as "Kha" in Banke district, Nepal. Systematic sampling was employed to select participants. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the Nepal STEPS Survey 2019.

The study found that 64.6% of participants had ever consumed alcohol, with drivers reporting a higher prevalence (74.4%) compared to other staff (56.9%). Peer pressure (56.9%) was the most common reason for drinking, followed by family influence (20.8%) and curiosity (18.6%). A significant association was found between alcohol consumption and occupation (p = 0.0177), with drivers more likely to consume alcohol. No significant associations were found with age, marital status, education, or ethnicity.

The findings highlight the high prevalence of alcohol consumption among public vehicle operators, driven by peer pressure and influence from family members. The study emphasizes the critical need for public health interventions to prevent alcohol-related harm in Nepal, such as educational campaigns, stricter enforcement of drunken driving laws, and workplace-based activities.