Regional differences associated with drinking and driving in Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate regional differences and similarities associated with drinking and driving (DUI) in the five Brazilian macro-regions. METHOD: A roadside survey was conducted in the 27 Brazilian state capitals. A total of 3,398 drivers were randomly selected and given a structured interview and a breathalyzer test. To determine the predictors of positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in each region, a MANOVA was performed, and 3 groups were used as follows: 1) North and Northeast, 2) South and Midwest, and 3) Southeast. A Poisson robust regression model was performed to assess the variables associated with positive BAC in each group. RESULTS: Of all surveyed drivers, 2,410 had consumed alcohol in the previous 12 months. Most were male, with a median age of 36. Leisure as the reason for travel was associated with positive BAC in all 3 groups. Low schooling, being older than 30, driving cars or motorcycles and having been given a breathalyzer test at least once in their lives predicted DUI in at least two different groups. CONCLUSIONS: Factors , especially low schooling and leisure as a reason for travel, associated with drinking and driving were similar among regions, although certain region-specific features were observed. This information is important for aiming to reduce DUI in the country.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	De Boni,Raquel, Diemen,Lisia von, Duarte,Paulina do Carmo Arruda Vieira, Bumaguin,Daniela Benzano, Hilgert,Juliana Balbinot, Bozzetti,Mary Clarisse, Sordi,Anne, Pechansky,Flavio
Format:	Digital revista
Language:	English
Published:	Associação Brasileira de Psiquiatria 2012
Online Access:	http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1516-44462012000300010
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