Association of prescription drug misuse with risky motor vehicle behaviors among low-income young women

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between prescription drug misuse and risky motor vehicle behaviors among 16-24-year-old women. Methods: A survey was conducted on misuse of 4 classes of prescription drugs (pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives) and past-month risky motor vehicle behaviors among these women during 2008-2010. Results: Overall, 47.7% (1408/2952) of women reported risky motor vehicle behavior(s) in the past month. Misuse of 1 or more of the 4 classes was 30.1% (lifetime), 15.0% (past year), and 6.7% (past month). Misuse of 1 or more of these prescription drug classes was associated with risky motor vehicle behaviors in their lifetime (odds ratio [OR]: 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.54-2.18), past year (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.80-2.83), and past month (OR: 2.70, 95% CI: 1.94-3.78). Conclusions: The current finding that misuse of 1 or more of the 4 prescription drug classes, irrespective of when this last occurred, is associated with risky motor vehicle behaviors may help formulate awareness programs.