Driving after alcohol consumption among residents of Northeastern Brazil: National Health Survey 2019.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of factors associated with drinking and driving in Northeastern Brazil.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted with participants from the 2019 National Health Survey, aged ≥ 18 years; the analysis of the association between sociodemographic variables and the outcome, stratified by sex, was performed using Poisson regression.

Results: The prevalence of drinking and driving was 21.0% ( 95%CI 19.9;23.2), with 24.6% ( 95%CI 22.7;26.5), in males and 10.1 % ( 95%CI 7.9;12.7), in females (p-value < 0.001); among men, younger age groups (PR = 1.70 - 95%CI 1.29;2.24), higher household income (PR = 1.74 - 95%CI 1.33;2.28), rural residence (PR = 1.48 - 95%CI 1.26;1.74) and motorcycle riding (PR = 1.29 - 95%CI 1.05;1.58) were associated with the event, while no association was observed among women.

Conclusion: Prevalence of drinking and driving was high in the Northeast region, especially among the male population; preventive measures targeting this group and intensified enforcement are necessary.

Main results: The prevalence of drinking and driving was high, significantly greater in males when compared to females; positive associations between sociodemographic variables and the event were observed only in the male population.

Implications for services: Intersectoral actions, involving health services and regulatory bodies, are essential to reduce the habit of drinking and driving, especially among males, in addition to promoting a safer road environment in the Northeast region.

Perspectives: It is necessary to strengthen enforcement measures for alcohol consumption and driving, especially in rural areas and among motorcycle riders, in addition to implementing traffic education programs and awareness campaigns.