AUDIT-C score and its association with risky behaviours among professional drivers

BACKGROUND: Hazardous alcohol use has been associated with risk-taking behaviours whilst driving. There is some limited information about the relationship between heavy alcohol consumption and alcohol consumption in the workplace (ACW) - during working hours or lunch breaks - and driving dangerously. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey with Italian professional drivers enrolled in professional driving courses. Using logistic regression models, we examined whether the Alcohol Use Disorders Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) score was associated with ACW and with some of the most common risky driving behaviours (hand-held cell phone use, text messaging, PC use, reading, TV watching). RESULTS: Of the 377 participants, 89 (23.6%) admitted ACW (19 [5%] rarely, 37 [9.8%] frequently and 33 [8.8%] daily) and 305 (81.8%) reported at least one of the risky driving behaviours mentioned above (107 [28.7%] rarely, 95 [25.5%] frequently and 103 [27.6%] daily). Taking as outcomes variables ACW and risky driving behaviour (yes=frequently or daily/no=never or rarely), the AUDIT-C score was significantly associated with these behaviours (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] 1.45 and AOR 1.15, respectively). An AUDIT-C cut-off ≥4 (instead of ≥5, as suggested by some Italian regional laws) was more reliable in identifying PDs with risky behaviours. CONCLUSION: The AUDIT-C questionnaire is an effective alcohol-screening tool and can help to identify not only high-risk drinkers but also those with increased risk of ACW and risky driving behaviours. PDs with an AUDIT-C ≥4 should be a target for harm reduction or preventive measures. Language: en