Identifying the characteristics of truck and bus drivers with chronic disease status

Commercial motor drivers suffer from occupational and health safety problems such as risky health behaviors like smoking, unhealthy diet associated with obesity and inadequate sleep with work fatigue. These make them susceptible to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study is to identify characteristics associated with drivers with chronic disease. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional convenience self-reported questionnaire survey sample of truck and bus drivers at rest areas and truck stops. The survey consisted of questions on personal, physical, work environment and psychosocial factors. Basic demographic, bivariate and logistic regression analyses were done. Results: Total of 229 drivers were recruited for the study out of which 182 was used for analysis. 117 of drivers had no chronic disease. 65 drivers had chronic disease such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and heart disease. Drivers that are aged 16-35yrs, 36-45yrs are less likely to have chronic disease OR 0.18(0.05-0.66) and OR 0.13(0.04-0.40) compared to those drivers aged >55yrs. Female drivers were more likely than males to have chronic disease OR 4.82(1.209-19.203). Drivers who rated their perception of health as poor/fair OR 43.8(8.34-229.79), good OR 5.36(1.36-21.12), and very good OR 4.38(1.08-17.83) are more likely to have chronic disease compared to those drivers who rated their perception of health as excellent. Conclusion: The characteristics of drivers identified can be used for targeted planning, development, and implementation of public health interventions to reduce chronic disease in drivers whose functions are essential to the economic vitality of the nation.