title: Predictors of positive Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) in a sample of Brazilian drivers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To verify the frequency of positive Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) among drivers and to examine associated factors in a cross-sectional study of Brazilian state capitals.
  
  
  METHODS
  3,398 drivers were approached on highways crossing all 27 Brazilian capitals from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. (Fridays and Saturdays). They were breathalyzed and data on their driving characteristics and alcohol consumption were collected. Multivariate logistic regression following a hierarchical conceptual framework was used to evaluate associated factors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The overall weighted prevalence of positive BAC (> 0.1 mg/L) was 4.2%. The multivariate analysis showed that education up to 8 years (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.4-3.0), age > 30 years (OR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.8-3.8), type of vehicle (cars: OR = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.7-5.1; motorcycles: OR = 3.7; 95% CI: 2.1-6.4), binge drinking (OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.3-2.4), having been breathalyzed before (OR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.8-3.7), and purpose of the trip (coming from a party: OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.3-3.0; leisure trip: OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.32.4; driving after 8 p.m.: OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.3-2.3) were independently associated with DUI.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Study findings suggest that selected external environmental factors, such as socioeconomic and demographic characteristics as well as personal characteristics like alcohol consumption and the relationship between drinking and driving were associated with positive BAC among Brazilian drivers. Results can help to inform drinking and driving policy and preventive approaches.
authors: Center for Drug and Alcohol Research, Hospital das Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. fpechans@uol.com.br
authors: Flavio
authors: F
authors: Pechansky
authors: Paulina do Carmo Arruda Vieira
authors: Pdo C
authors: Duarte
authors: Raquel
authors: R
authors: De Boni
authors: Carl G
authors: CG
authors: Leukefeld
authors: Lisia
authors: L
authors: von Diemen
authors: Daniela Benzano
authors: DB
authors: Bumaguin
authors: Fernanda
authors: F
authors: Kreische
authors: Juliana Balbinot
authors: JB
authors: Hilgert
authors: Mary Clarisse
authors: MC
authors: Bozzetti
authors: Daniel Fernando Paludo
authors: DF
authors: Fuchs
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000639:trends; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult