FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ABUSE OF TRAMADOL AMONG TRICYCLE (YELOYELO) DRIVERS IN THE TAMALE METROPOLIS

Background: Tramadol abuse has become a major public health concern in Ghana, particularly among tricycle drivers in the Tamale metropolis. This study discussed the factors that influence the abuse of tramadol among tricycle drivers in the Tamale metropolitan area in the Northern Region. Methods: The study employed both the qualitative and quantitative method. The multiple sampling using the simple random sampling, purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to select 55 respondents for the qualitative aspect whereas the convenience sampling was used to employ 420 respondents from selected tricycle terminals in the Tamale Metropolis for the quantitative study. The results were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Results: It was found that of all the participants using tramadol, while few participants were identified as using the drug under a physician’s prescription, majority were identified as using tramadol without prescription from a physician which amount to abusing the drug. The study revealed that averagely, the daily milligram (mg) intake of tramadol among tricycle drivers in the Tamale metropolis was 155.5 ± 91.6 mg, with participants abusing tramadol by taking in various unapproved strength/dosages of 500, 250, 200 and 150 dosages (mg) respectively. Conclusion: It was conclusively established that the three most compelling reasons why tricycle drivers use tramadol are; to reinvigorate themselves and become physically active, to relieve pains and peer group pressure. In conclusion, the study found out that nausea, road accident, sleepiness and dizziness are possible effects of tramadol use.