title: Regional differences associated with drinking and driving in Brazil.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate regional differences and similarities associated with drinking and driving (DUI) in the five Brazilian macro-regions.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors: Center for Drug and Alcohol Research, Hospital das Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. raqueldeboni@msn.com
authors: Raquel
authors: R
authors: De Boni
authors: Lisia
authors: L
authors: von Diemen
authors: Paulina do Carmo Arruda Vieira
authors: Pdo C
authors: Duarte
authors: Daniela Benzano
authors: DB
authors: Bumaguin
authors: Juliana Balbinot
authors: JB
authors: Hilgert
authors: Mary Clarisse
authors: MC
authors: Bozzetti
authors: Anne
authors: A
authors: Sordi
authors: Flavio
authors: F
authors: Pechansky
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000517:prevention & control; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000639:trends; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult