Background Cognitive enhancers (CE) are prescription drugs taken, either without a prescription or at a dose exceeding that which is prescribed, to improve cognitive functions such as concentration, vigilance or memory. Previous research suggests that users believe the drugs to be safer than non-users and that they have sufficient knowledge to judge safety. However, to date no research has compared the information sources used and safety knowledge of users and non-users. Objectives This study compared users and non-users of CE in terms of i) their sources of knowledge about the safety of CE and ii) the accuracy of their knowledge of possible adverse effects of a typical cognitive enhancer (modafinil); and iii) how the accuracy of knowledge relates to their safety beliefs. Methods Students (N = 148) from King’s College London (UK) completed an anonymous online survey assessing safety beliefs, sources of knowledge and knowledge of the safety of modafinil; and indicated whether they used CE, and, if so, which drug(s). Results The belief that the drugs are safe was greater in users than non-users. However, both groups used comparable information sources and have similar, relatively poor drug safety knowledge. Furthermore, despite users more strongly believing in the safety of CE there was no relationship between their beliefs and knowledge, in contrast to non-users who did show correlations between beliefs and knowledge. Conclusion These data suggest that the differences in safety beliefs about CE between users and non-users do not stem from use of different information sources or more accurate safety knowledge.
Alcohol is a well documented risk factor for road traffic crashes, however information on drinking and driving in low income countries is often limited. In Vietnam, despite the fact that the control of drink-driving (DD) has been part of road safety law since 2001, implementation and enforcement has been limited. In 2008, the National People's Assembly approved a revised law which included strengthening of efforts in DD prevention including a decrease in blood and breath alcohol concentration limits down from 80mg/dl (0.08) to 50mg/dl (0.05) (0.25mg/l breath) for motorcycle riders and from 0.08 to zero for drivers of cars and other four wheel vehicles. The law came into effect on 1 July, 2009. To describe the current knowledge, attitude and practice of DD in Vietnam, a cross sectional survey of 1200 adult household members was conducted in three provinces. Nearly 80% of respondents where aware of new restrictions for DD, however, less than 20% knew what that limit was and when it took effect. More than 90% of respondents reported awareness of the dangers of DD and that the threshold was necessary, however, more than 80% still reported that they drive or ride after drinking and 58% would still travel as a passenger with a motorcycle rider who had drunk alcohol. These results show a number of challenges to implementing DD regulations in Vietnam. Further communication and education on the risks and consequences of DD is required however these in themselves will be ineffective without consistent enforcement and strengthening the perception of being caught. Currently, incomplete police procedures as well as a lack of equipment is limiting enforcement capacity.
Background Drink driving is a major risk factor for road trauma in Viet Nam. Previous studies have shown up to 60% of road traffic injured patients admitted to hospital, had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the level limit. Activities This programme implemented an enhanced enforcement model where roadside police operations were supplemented by capacity building training for police, essential equipment (breathalysers), and an intensive mass media social marketing campaign on the dangers and consequences of drink–driving. Impact of the programme was measured through a variety of evaluation tools including enforcement data, hospital BAC results and KAP indicators. Results The social marketing campaign was implemented from August 2010 to November 2011, coupled with almost 7000 person days of enforcement operations running from November 2010 to November 2011 during high alcohol times (12:00–14:00 and 18:00–21:00). Enforcement results from HaNam and NinhBinh showed 23.3% and 21.3% drivers/riders respectively were detected over the legal limit. There's a reduction in people's self reported drink driving between January and August 2011, HaNam from 34.1% to 20% and NinhBinh from 52.2% to 44.2%. However, the low perception of being caught drink driving (24.3%) could possibly add to the current high violation rate. The volume of intake among hospitalised victims reduced. Motorcycle victims having BAC level over 80 mg/dl declined from 21.5% to 11.5% in the 3rd quarter of 2011 in HaNam. Conclusions Drink driving remains highly prevalent in Viet Nam. However, intensive social marketing coupled with sustained visible enforcement can bring positive changes to people's knowledge and likelihood of drinking and driving.
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