Diabetes risk factors among taxi drivers in New York City

Background/Objective: Taxi driving is a sedentary profession, and New York City (NYC) drivers typically work very long hours. Additionally, a majority of drivers are South Asian. Our study aims to examine diabetes risk factors among NYC taxi drivers and to examine these risk factors by racial/ethnic group. Methods: In September 2011, taxi drivers were surveyed and screened during a health fair at JFK Airport in NYC. Basic demographics and health variables were collected, and a diabetes risk score was calculated. Height and weight measurements determined BMI, and a glucose finger stick was performed. Results: A total of 262 individuals were screened, 153 of whom were South Asian. Approximately 15.1% of the sample had previously been diagnosed with diabetes (17.7% of South Asians and 11.3% of non-South Asians), compared to a diabetes rate of 9.3% in NYC. Fifty-two percent of the sample was overweight and 29.2% obese; fewer South Asian individuals were normal weight. Among individuals not reporting a diabetes diagnosis, half were at risk. Insurance was similar across groups, and over half were uninsured. Additional analyses include logistic regression to predict diabetes outcome and diabetes risk overall and by subgroup, while adjusting for other factors (insurance, age, etc.) Conclusions: Diabetes and diabetes risk among taxi drivers, especially South Asian taxi drivers, in NYC is high. Meaningful and culturally tailored interventions for taxi drivers are needed to improve health behaviors and increase access to affordable health care.