A Review of Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases Among Bus Drivers

A significant threat among the developing countries towards health and development in the current era is attributed by non-communicable diseases. These diseases contribute to major portion of morbidity and mortality globally. It has been predicted that with such an alarming rise in these cases, NCDs will ex-ceed communicable, maternal, perinatal, and nutritional disease as the common causes of death by 2030. Without any action towards this menace the burden of these diseases will continue to escalate over-whelming our capacity to address them. Metropolitan drivers are a group of people who spend their ma-jority of time in a polluted, noisy and a dangerous workplace. With the very few data on the predisposing risk factors among this population, this review helps us identifying such factors among the drivers which can help in formulating new policies and improve their health.

A Study on Prevalence and Socio Demographic Risk Factors for Hypertension Among Bus Drivers and Conductors of Southern India

Background: Hypertension is one of the diseases of occupational origin. The percentage of hypertensive increases when selected occupational groups are screened. Transport personnel are one such group who are at risk of developing hypertension due to the nature of their profession. Objective: To study the prevalence of hypertension and socio demographic risk factors for hypertension among bus drivers and conductors of NEKRTC, Raichur division. Methods: A cross sectional study comprising of 360 bus drivers and 338 bus conductors was undertak-en in two NEKRTC depots of Raichur division, Raichur. Data was collected by interviewing study subjects and by physical examination and analyzed using percentages and Chi square test. Results: Prevalence of hypertension among bus drivers and conductors was found to be 25.3% and 19.8% respectively. Socio demographic factors like age, marital status, type of family, socioeconomic sta-tus was significantly associated with hypertension in bus drivers while in conductors only age and mari-tal status were significantly associated with hypertension. Conclusion and recommendations: Prevalence of hypertension is higher in bus drivers and conduc-tors, thus periodic screening and monitoring of blood pressure in these transport personnel along with provision of preventive and curative services to them at the earliest will be an effective strategy.

Behavioral And Psychosocial Risk Factors for Hypertension Among Bus Drivers and Conductors in Karnataka

Background: Hypertension being a disease of occupational origin, its prevalence is found to be high among those who work in a few selected occupational groups. Road transport professionals are one such group and due to their work needs, they tend to adapt to the lifestyle which makes them more vulnerable to developing such diseases in long run. Objective: To identify behavioural and psychosocial risk factors for hypertension among bus drivers and conductors of NEKRTC, Raichur division. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was carried out in two NEKRTC depots of Raichur division, Raichur. A total of 360 bus drivers and 338 conductors were interviewed. Data collection was done by interviewing bus drivers and conductors and by physical examination and analyzed using percentages and chi square test. Results: The risk factors found to be significantly associated with hypertension in bus drivers and conductors were tobacco smoking, use of smokeless tobacco, alcohol consumption, duration of service, Body Mass Index and Waist Hip Ratio. Conclusion and recommendations: Considering the association of hypertension with various risk factors in bus drivers and conductors, preventive measures like lifestyle modifications and regular high-risk screening program for early diagnosis needs to be promoted in them.

Assédio moral no trabalho e sofrimento psíquico em motoristas de ônibus / Harassment at work and psychic distress in bus drivers

O assédio moral e o sofrimento psíquico estão presentes na profissão do motorista pela tipicidade da atividade: exigências e cobranças de seus superiores, violência urbana, relação com os passageiros, o trânsito e a organização urbana de um modo geral. Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar qual é o efeito do assédio moral sobre os sofrimentos psíquicos adquiridos pelos motoristas de transportes urbanos na cidade de Natal/Rio Grande do Norte (RN). Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo quantitativo, descritivo e exploratório, tendo como público alvo os motoristas vinculados ao Sindicato dos Transportes Rodoviários do RN (SINTRO/RN). Foram entrevistados 161 motoristas, utilizando o Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) e o Negative Acts Questionnaire, versão revisada (NAQ-R), além de questionário socioprofissional. Os resultados apontam que o assédio moral no trabalho causa o sofrimento psíquico e é causa direta dos transtornos mentais comuns (TMC) nos motoristas. Deste modo, este levantamento realizado permitiu conclusões estatísticas sobre o cotidiano dos motoristas de ônibus do Natal-RN, servindo como direcionamento de ações no âmbito das políticas públicas a fim de fomentar intervenções de promoção e prevenção à saúde, adjacentes aos atores do campo da saúde do trabalhador, bem como, sindicatos, serviços de saúde especializados (CEREST) e Ministério Público.

Psychological harassment and psychological suffering are present in the driver's profession due to the typical activity: demands and charges from his superiors, urban violence, relation with passengers, traffic and urban organization in general. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of bullying on psychic suffering acquired by urban transport drivers in the city of Natal/Rio Grande do Norte (RN). For that, a quantitative, descriptive and exploratory study was carried out, with the target audience being the drivers linked to the Road Transport Union of the RN (SINTRO/RN). A total of 161 drivers were interviewed, using the Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) and the Negative Acts Questionnaire, revised version (NAQ-R), as well as a socio-professional questionnaire. The results point out that work place bullying causes psychic suffering and is a direct cause of common mental disorders (CMD) in motorists. Thus, this survey allowed statistical conclusions about the daily routine of the bus drivers of Natal, serving as a guide for actions in the scope of public policies in order to promote heal the promotion and prevention interventions adjacent to the actor in the field of worker health, as well as trade unions, specialized health services and public prosecutors

Una aproximación de la evaluación del ambiente físico, la carga física y mental de los conductores de bus urbano de pasajeros

Este estudio se realizó con el fin de conocer si la carga mental y el ambiente físico tienen una valoración diferente a la carga física en los conductores de buses urbanos de pasajeros. Igualmente, el estudio permitió conocer realidades laborales en un contexto productivo, con el fin de velar por el cumplimiento de la normativa laboral y asegurar la debida protección de los trabajadores. Para esta investigación se utilizó el método LEST, el cual permitió evaluar las condiciones de trabajo de la forma más objetiva y global posible, al mostrar cada una de las situaciones consideradas en el puesto como satisfactoria, molesta o nociva. Para comprobar las condiciones de trabajo, se evaluaron 16 variables agrupadas en cinco dimensiones: entorno físico, carga física, carga mental, aspectos psicosociales y tiempo de trabajo. Se concluye que las variables que requieren de mayor atención son el ambiente físico, la carga mental y el tiempo de trabajo.

The purpose of this study was to know if the mental burden and the physical environment have a different value from the physical burden in bus drivers in the city. Likewise, the study allowed us to know about their work realities in a productive context, in order to ensure compliance with work laws and with the protection of workers. We used the LEST method, which allowed us to evaluate work condi- tions as objectively and globally as possible, by showing each one of the situations at the workplace as either satisfactory, disturbing or harmful. Thus, 16 variables were evaluated and they were groupd in 5 dimensions: physical setting, physical burden, mental burden, psychosocial aspects and time of work. We concluced that the variables that require more attention are physical setting, mental burden and time of work.

Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de verificar se a carga mental e o ambiente físico têm um valor diferente ao da carga física nos motoristas de ônibus urbanos de passageiros. Além disso, permitiu conhecer realidades no ámbito profissional em um contexto produtivo, a fim de zelar pelo cumprimento da lei trabalhista e garantir a devida proteção dos trabalhadores. Para esta pesquisa, foi utilizado o método LEST, que permitiu avaliar as condições de trabalho da forma mais objetiva e global possível, ao mostrar cada uma das situaçõs consideradas no posto como satisfatória, incômoda ou nociva. Para comprovar as condições de trabalho, foram avaliadas 16 variáveis, agrupadas em cinco dimensões: ambiente físico, carga física, carga mental, aspectos psicossociais e tempo de trabalho. Conclui-se que as variáveis que exigem mais atenção são o ambiente físico, a carga mental e o tempo de trabalho.

Prevalence hearing loss of truck and bus drivers in a cross-sectional study of 65533 subjects

BACKGROUND@#Noise pollution is one of the most important occupational pollutants in heavy-vehicle drivers. Therefore, this epidemiological research was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence of hearing loss in heavy-vehicle drivers in Iran.@*METHODS@#This cross-sectional research was conducted on 65,533 heavy-vehicle drivers including truck and intercity bus drivers from February 2006 to March 2016. The air and bone threshold of pure tone was measured for each ear at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz by a skillful radiology expert. The obtained data from this research was analyzed in SPSS software using statistical tests such as descriptive analysis and paired t test.@*RESULTS@#Mean (standard deviation) of hearing loss in left and right ears of all people was 23.02 (8.25) and 22.48 (7.86), respectively. Paired t test showed that hearing loss difference in left and right ears was significant (P < 0.001). Mean and standard deviation of paired t test showed that hearing loss difference in left and right ears was significant in all frequencies except 1000 Hz (P < 0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#The findings of this research generally showed that 26.8% of the studied drivers have hearing loss. Hearing loss in the left ear was more than right ear.

Relations of job satisfaction to emotional intelligence and emotional labor in bus drivers / 中国心理卫生杂志

Objective:To explore the relationship among emotional intelligence,emotional labor and job satisfaction.Methods:Totally 257 bus drivers [158 males and 99 females,aged 17 to 50 years,mean age (32 ± 7)years] in Jinan were surveyed with the Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS),the Emotional Labor Scale (ELS) and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ).Bootstrap was used to test the mediating effect.Results:The scores of EIS and ELS were both positively correlated with the MSQ scores (r =0.28,0.23,Ps ＜0.01) in the bus drivers.The surface acting (SA) scores were negatively correlated with the MSQ scores (r =-0.18,P ＜ 0.01),and the deep acting (DA) score were positively correlated with the MSQ scores (r =0.40,P ＜ 0.01).Mediating effect test showed that the indirect effect of surface acting was 0.07 (95％ CI:0.01-0.16),and the indirect effect of deep acting was 0.10 (95％ CI:0.03-0.21).Correspondingly,the direct effect of emotional intelligence on job satisfaction respectively was 0.35 (95％ CI:0.20-0.58) and 0.33 (95％ CI:0.12-0.53).Conclusion:These findings support that the bus drivers with higher emotional intelligence may be more satisfied with their job.Emotional intelligence is found to indirectly influence job satisfaction through surface acting and deep acting,and it may affect the bus drivers more effectively choose and use emotion regulation strategies.

Considerações sobre o ofício de dirigir ônibus no Brasil: uma revisão de literatura / Considerations on the profession of bus driver in Brazil: a literature review / Consideraciones sobre el oficio de conducción de autobuses en Brasil: una revisión de literatura

Os efeitos do ofício de dirigir ônibus para a saúde dos condutores desses veículos têm sido investigados em estudos de abrangência nacional. Para contribuir no aprofundamento desse objeto de estudo, realizamos uma revisão de pesquisas nacionais sobre esse ofício, objetivando investigar processos de saúde-doença e subjetivação, delimitando as buscas entre 2000 a 2012, mediante verificação temática. Da análise das publicações configuramos dois eixos de análise: os efeitos desse ofício na saúde dos motoristas de ônibus e as condições e organização desse trabalho. A pesquisa foi realizada sob a abordagem teórica da Ergonomia da Atividade francófona e orientada pela perspectiva da Ergologia. As dimensões físicas da saúde são mais pesquisadas que as psicológicas. Concluímos que, a despeito de se investigar a saúde de trabalhadores, suas condições de trabalho e sua atividade não são suficientemente consideradas: propomos caminhos para novos estudos, sobretudo, referentes à atividade do trabalho, abordando-a, inclusive, em sua positividade (AU)

The effects of driving buses craft to the health of drivers have been investigated in nationwide Brazilian studies. To deepen of this object of study, we conducted a review of Brazilian researches on this profession, to investigate the health-disease and subjectivation processes, from 2000 to 2012 by thematic verification. From this research, we draw two analysis axes: the effects of this profession on health of bus drivers and its conditions and organization. The survey was conducted under theoretical approach of Ergonomics of Francophone activity and it was also guided by the prospect of Ergology. Physical dimensions of health are more researched than psychological ones. We conclude that, in spite of investigating the health of workers, their working conditions and activity are not sufficiently considered: we propose ways to new studies, especially regarding work activity, approaching including its positivity (AU)

Los efectos del trabajo de conducción de autobuses para la salud de sus conductores se han investigados en estudios brasileños. Para profundizar el estudio, realizamos una revisión de pesquisas brasileñas sobre este oficio, para investigar procesos de saludenfermedad y subjetivación, desde 2000 a 2012, por verificación temática, llegando a dos ángulos: los efectos de esa actividad sobre la salud de eses trabajadores y las condiciones y organización del trabajo. La encuesta se basó en el enfoque teórico de la Ergonomía, de la Actividad de habla francesa y fue guiada por la perspectiva de la Ergología. Las dimensiones físicas de salud son más investigadas que las psicológicas. Concluimos que, aunque la investigación sobre la salud de los trabajadores, sus condiciones de trabajo y actividad no están suficientemente consideradas: proponemos nuevos estudios, especialmente sobre actividad laboral, incluyendo su positividad (AU).

Sleepiness while driving and shiftwork patterns among Korean bus drivers

BACKGROUND: Sleepiness while driving has been regarded as a major cause of death due to traffic accidents. We compared the degree of sleepiness across five different working time periods (first, morning, post-lunch, afternoon, and last) among Korean bus drivers with different shift types (Daily two shift/Alternating day shift). METHOD: We interviewed 332 bus drivers with two shift types (Daily two shift, 128; Alternating day shift, 204). The questionnaire included demographic information (age, alcohol consumption and history of disease), a sleep disorder diagnosed by a doctor, job duration, the number of workdays in the past month, average working hours per workday and week, sleepiness while driving (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale), and sleeping time for both workdays and off-days. We conducted log-binomial regression analyses and produced prevalence ratios (PRs) of severe sleepiness (KSS ≥ 7) while driving with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) to identify the difference in sleepiness for five working times between both groups. RESULTS: For the first and morning periods, there were no statistically significant differences in the KSS scores between the two groups. However, from lunch to last driving, drivers with Alternating day shift had a much larger proportion of severe sleepiness than those on Daily two shift. Thirteen (10.2%), 2 (1.6%) and 7 (5.5%) Daily two shift workers reported severe sleepiness in the post-lunch, afternoon and last periods. In contrast, 81 (39.7%), 63 (30.9%) and 64 (31.4%) of Alternating day shift drivers experienced severe sleepiness during the post-lunch, afternoon and last driving periods (p < 0.0001). According to the log-binomial regression analyses, Alternating day shift was associated with severe sleepiness from lunch to last driving. After adjusting for job duration, alcohol consumption and sleeping time on workdays, the PRs were 3.97 (95% CI: 2.29–6.90) post-lunch, 18.26 (95% CI: 4.51–73.89) in the afternoon and 5.71 (95% CI: 2.51–12.99) for the last driving period. CONCLUSION: We found that Alternating day shift bus drivers suffered from more sleepiness while driving from lunch to last driving than Daily two shift bus drivers. This difference may be because Alternating day shift drivers had more irregular work schedules and longer working hours per day and week.

Investigation on Serum Glucose,Uric Acid and Lipid Profile of Professional Bus Drivers in Fuzhou City / 现代检验医学杂志

Objective To observe and analyse the levels of serum glucose,uric acid and lipid profile in bus drivers in Fuzhou City and provide the necessary information for the reasonable health management of bus drivers.Methods Serum from 3 877 bus drivers of Fuzhou City (3 522 males and 355 females)were collected and detected for the concentrations of serum glucose (GLU),uric acid (UA),cholesterol (CHOL),triglyceride (TRIG),high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).Statistical analysis was performed to compare the results.Results The levels and abnormal rates of GLU,UA,CHOL,TRIG and LDL-C of male drivers were significantly higher than that of fe-male drivers (P 50 years old).The level of UA of male drivers decreased with age while HDL-C invariable.Conclusion The levels of GLU,UA,CHOL,TRIG, HDL-C and LDL-C of male drivers varied and more severe than the female drivers.

Paradoxo dos motoristas que lutam: entre movimentos sociais por transporte coletivo urbano, o trabalho no ônibus / Paradox of the bus drivers who struggle: between social movements for urban mass transit, the work in the bus / Paradoja de los conductores que luchan: entre los movimientos sociales por el transporte masivo urbano, el trabajo en autobús / Paradoxe des chauffeurs qui luttent: entre les mouvements sociaux pour le transport collectif urbain, le travail dans le bus

Discute-se como a atividade do motorista de ônibus funciona como uma luta social por transporte coletivo urbano em meio ao tensionamento entre movimentos sociais. O contexto brasileiro de construção das políticas públicas de transporte coletivo urbano é considerado como baseado no paradigma empresarial pela conjunção entre gestões pública e privada. A apropriação dos conceitos de processo de trabalho e de atividade situada é proposta visando construir um plano analítico que integre a luta política e a gestão do trabalho. Perspectiva-se, por esta via, poder abordar a atividade do motorista de ônibus como meio crucial das lutas por transporte público na cidade.

It discusses how the activity of bus driver works as a social struggle for urban mass transit amid the tension between social movements. It is approached the brazilian context of construction of the public policies on urban transportation by the conjunction between public and private managements based on business paradigm. It is proposed the appropriation of the concepts of labor process and of situated activity towards the construction of a plan that integrates the political struggle and the work management. It is expected therefore the approaching of the activity of the bus driver as a crucial way of the struggles for urban public transportation.

Se discute como la actividad del conductor de autobús funciona como lucha social para eltransporte urbano por medio de la tensión entre movimientos sociales. Se considera elcontexto brasileño de la construcción de políticas públicas de transportación urbana basadoen la conjunción entre las gestiones pública y privada bajo el paradigma empresarial. Sepropone la apropiación de los conceptos de proceso de trabajo y de actividad situada debidoa la construcción de un plan que integre la lucha política y la gestión del trabajo. Se espera,por tanto, poder acercarse a la actividad del conductor de autobús como medio cruciale delas luchas por el transporte público en la ciudad.

Est discutée comment l'activité de chauffeur de bus fonctionne comme une lutte sociale pour le transport collectif urbain au milieu de la tension entre mouvements sociaux. Le contexte brésilien de la construction des politiques publiques sur le transport en commun urbain est considéré basé sur le paradigme d'entreprise par la conjonction entre gestions publique et privée. L'appropriation des concepts de processus de travail et de activité située est proposé pour construire un plan analytique qui intègre la lutte politique et la gestion du travail. De cette façon, on peut aborder l'activité de conducteur de bus comme luttes cruciales pour le transport collectif urbain.

Overweight as hypertension risk prediction in bus drivers / O excesso de peso como preditor de risco para hipertensão em motoristas de ônibus

Blood pressure (BP) has been currently associated with several risk markers in cardiovascular diseases and excess body weight although there is only slight evidence on the association of Body Mass Index (BMI) with BP in bus drivers. Current analysis verified the association of BMI with BP in bus drivers and the risk of individuals with excess weight within the context of high blood pressure. The sample consisted of 75 bus drivers who had their BMI and BP evaluated. Statistical analysis was descriptive and Pearson correlation and odds -ratio were p < 0.05. A significant relationship between BMI and blood pressure, namely, r = 0.438 (p < 0.05) was evident. Individuals with weight excess weight were 4.04 times more likely to have high blood pressure (p < 0.05). Results showed individuals with excess weight were more likely to develop high blood pressure conditions.

O excesso de peso (EP) vem sendo associado atualmente com diversos marcadores de riscos a doenças cardiovasculares, dentre eles a pressão arterial (PA), porém ainda há poucas evidências sobre a associação do índice de massa corporal (IMC) com a PA. Neste sentido, o objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar qual a associação do IMC com a PA em motoristas de ônibus, e em um segundo momento verificar qual o risco de indivíduos com excesso de peso apresentar quadros de hipertensão. A amostra foi constituída de 75 motoristas de ônibus, foram avaliados o IMC e a pressão arterial. A análise estatística empregada foi a descritiva, correlação de Pearson e Odds-ratio com um p < 0,05. Foi encontrada uma relação significativa entre o IMC e a pressão arterial r = 0,438 (p < 0,05). Além disso, foi constatado que indivíduos com excesso de peso apresentam 4,04 vezes mais chances de apresentarem pressão arterial elevada (p < 0,05). Pelos resultados apresentados concluiu- se que indivíduos que apresentam excesso de peso possuem maiores chances de desenvolverem quadros de pressão arterial elevada.

Estresores laborales en conductores de autobuses (ELBus-21): estructura factorial, fiabilidad y validez / Job Stressors in Bus Drivers (Elbus -21): Factor Structure, Reliability and Validity

En el presente artículo se estudian las propiedades psicométricas de la escala ELBus-21 que permite evaluar los estresores laborales que son propios de los conductores de autobuses españoles. Los participantes de la presente investigación son 287 conductores de autobuses (80.1% hombres y 19.9% mujeres) de tres radios de acción: urbano, interurbano y discrecional. Los resultados obtenidos constatan, después de realizar un análisis factorial exploratorio de la escala, una estructura constituida por tres factores que hacen referencia a las condiciones del tráfico, a la sobrecarga y la fatiga, y a la falta de confort personal. Además, los tres factores obtenidos tienen una fiabilidad adecuada. Igualmente, se constatan indicios de validez de los tres factores si se toman como referencia el estrés, los trastornos psicofisiológicos, las conductas de seguridad en el vehículo, la autonomía en el puesto de trabajo y algunos correlatos empíricos. En suma, la presente escala puede resultar idónea para identificar de manera apropiada los estresores laborales en los conductores de autobuses españoles. La escala ELBus-21 puede ser utilizada como un inventario de screening en combinación con otros instrumentos.

In the present article we studied the psychometric properties of the EL-Bus-21 scale, which enables us to evaluate the occupational stressors that affect Spanish bus drivers. 287 bus drivers (80.1% men and 19.9% women) took part in the study from three different sectors: metropolitan, intercity and charter coach drivers. The findings, after carrying out an exploratory factor analysis of the scale, revealed a structure comprised of three factors, namely, road environment, workload and fatigue, and personal discomfort. What's more, these three factors showed appropriate reliability. Similarly, the three factors showed validity with regard to stress, psycho-physiological disorders, safety behaviours in the vehicle and autonomy on the job as well as a number of empirical correlates. By way of summing up, the present scale may be ideally suited to adequately identifying the occupational stressors of Spanish bus drivers. The ELBus-21 may be used as a screening inventory in combination with other instruments.

Condiciones personales y ambientales de los conductores de buses de Medellín relacionadas con el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas / Personal and environmental conditions of bus drivers in Medellín related to the consumption of psychoactive substances

El escrito es producto de un estudio realizado en la Fundación Universitaria Luis Amigo, Facultad de Psicología, por el Grupo de investigación en farmacodependencia en el año 2012, denominado: Consumo de sustancias psicoactivas en conductores de buses del sector de trasporte público de Medellín. En él, además de describir las drogas más consumidas, se presentan las prevalencias de consumo y los posibles factores de riesgo. Es un estudio descriptivo, con muestreo probabilístico de los conductores de la ciudad de Medellín. Con aplicación de encuesta y análisis estadístico mediante el programa SPSS. Entre los resultados se destaca un consumo alto de cigarrillo, alcohol y marihuana, lo que puede estar relacionado con sus largas jornadas, pocas horas de sueño, situación de estrés, condiciones de peligro en los viajes y delincuencia en sus terminales y en las rutas.

The writing is the product of a study carried out at the Luis Amigo University Foundation, Faculty of Psychology, by the Drug Dependence Research Group in 2012, called: Consumption of psychoactive substances in bus drivers in the public transport sector of Medellín. In it, in addition to describing the most consumed drugs, the prevalences of consumption and possible risk factors are presented. It is a descriptive study, with probabilistic sampling of drivers in the city of Medellín. With application of survey and statistical analysis through the SPSS program. Among the results, a high consumption of cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana stands out, which may be related to their long hours, few hours of sleep, stress situation, dangerous conditions in travel and crime in their terminals and on the routes.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk of Bus Drivers in a City of Korea

OBJECTIVE: To prevent the occurrence of CV events such as MI and stroke among professional drivers in Korea, bus drivers were compared to other occupations through the Framingham risk scoring system (FRS) or metabolic syndrome (MS) of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment methods. METHODS: In October 2012, a health examination survey was conducted for 443 male bus drivers in a big city. Their CVD risk factors were compared to those of a 'total employed' (A group) and 'crafts and machine operators' (B group) extracted from Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2010) data by using FRS and MS. We calculated proportions of the CVD risk factors distribution between bus drivers and the A, B groups by the bootstrapping method. The Odds ratio (OR) between CV event risk combining MS with CHD equivalent risk of FRS and occupational factors like shift patterns and professional driving duration/age ratios (PDAR) of bus drivers was calculated through multinominal logistic regression. RESULTS: The proportion of BMI > or = 25 kg/m2 was 53.9% and waist circumference > or = 90cm was 40.9% among bus drivers. Hypertension and MS prevalence of bus drivers was 53.3%, 49.9% which is higher than 17.6%, 22.6% in the A group and 19.7%, 23.8% in the B group respectively. OR of high CV event risk in alternate shift was 2.58 (95% CI 1.33~5.00) in comparison with double shift pattern and OR in PDAR > or = 0.5 was 2.18 (95% CI 1.15~4.14). CONCLUSION: Middle aged male drivers in a big city of Korea stand a higher chance of developing CV event than other professions of the same age.

Síntomas musculoesqueléticos en conductores de buses de una institución universitaria / Musculoeskeletal symptoms in bus drivers of a university institution

Los síntomas musculoesqueléticos (SME) en conductores de buses han sido asociados a condiciones inadecuadas en su puesto de trabajo. Se determinó la ocurrencia de SME en el total de la población de conductores de buses de una universidad pública (N = 35) y se relacionó con el puesto de trabajo, la carga postural estática, edad, índice de masa corporal (IMC), jornada de trabajo y la antigüedad en el cargo. El rango de edades fue de 27 a 56 años. Se aplicaron el cuestionario estandarizado Nórdico para la determinación de los SME, un cuestionario para recoger información para caracterizar y determinar los riesgos percibidos en el puesto de trabajo y el método de la Regie National Des Usines Renault para medir la carga postural estática. La media (?± DE) de edad fue de 38,89 ±7,31 años y la del IMC de 31,4 ± 5,74 Kg/m². Los SME estuvieron asociados significativamente con el IMC (r s = 0,895; p<0,05). Hubo elevada incidencia de SME (94%), con mayor ocurrencia en cuello (69%), espalda baja (60%), espalda superior (57%) y rodillas (43%); predominó el dolor, que se ubicó mayormente en dolor fuerte y/o de fuerte intensidad en la espalda baja y rodillas. Los hallazgos pudieran estar relacionados con los riesgos presentes en el puesto de trabajo: ausencia de apoya cabeza, soporte lumbar, silla no deslizable y condiciones del ambiente laboral, vibración y ruido. No hubo asociación ni correlación entre los SME y la carga postural estática. Los resultados sugieren que las condiciones inadecuadas del puesto de trabajo, así como el IMC, predisponen a la ocurrencia de SME.

Musculoskeletal symptoms (MSDs) in bus drivers have been associated to the inadequate conditions of the work station. The occurrence of MES was determined in the total population of bus drivers of a public university (N = 35), and these were related with the work station, the posture static load, age, BMI, worked days and the number of years in the position. In this study, the age range was between 27 and 56 years. The standardize Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire for the determination of the MSDs, the method of the Regie National Des Usines Renault to measure the static postural load and a questionnaire to collect information of the bus working conditions were applied. The mean (?± SD) age was 39±1.94 years and the body mass index (BMI) was 31±1.95 Kg/m². The MSDs were associated significantly to the BMI (r s=0.895 and p<0.05). There was a high incidence of MSDs (94%) with more occurrences in neck (69%), lower back (60%), superior back (57%) and knees (43%). Pain of strong intensity, located in the lower back and knees, was the main symptom. These findings can be related with the risks at the work station, such as absence of head support, lumbar support, non sliding seat and inadequate conditions of the labor environment: vibration and noise. There was neither association nor correlation of MSDs and the postural static load, or with the others variables in study. The results suggest that inadequate conditions of the work stations as well as the BMI, dominated the occurrence of MSDs.

"Quem dá mais, cobra mais!": Uma análise das normas antecedentes do ofício de motorista de ônibus em um contexto específico / "Who gives more, charges more!": An analysis about the job of bus driver in a specific context

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o trabalho prescrito e as normas antecedentes do trabalho dos motoristas de ônibus de uma empresa de transporte urbano do município de Rio de Janeiro. O referido estudo baseou-se em conceitos vindos da Ergonomia e da Ergologia e em dados de outra pesquisa já realizada sobre o ofício de motorista de ônibus (CAIAFA, 2002). Contou ainda com uma pesquisa de metodologia qualitativa que buscou analisar a linguagem utilizada pelos responsáveis por transmitir as normas antecedentes e prescrições de trabalho de certa empresa de ônibus aos seus funcionários. O material para análise foi colhido a partir de duas situações: uma entrevista com um inspetor, que pelas atribuições de seu cargo tem como rotina observar, controlar e corrigir aspectos do trabalho dos motoristas e cobradores, e a participação em um processo de integração para funcionários recém-admitidos na referida empresa.

The goal of this article is analyze the prescribed work norms and the antecedent norms of the bus drivers work in a specific context. The reported study was inspired in the concepts given respectively for the Ergonomy and the Ergology, and in the observations from another research about bus journeys in Rio de Janeiro (CAIAFA, 2002). It counted also with a qualitative research methodology that sought to analyze the language used by the person responsible for the transmission of prescribed work norms and the antecedent norms of a certain company to its employees. The content for analyze was collected from two situations: an interview held with an inspector, with the assignments to observe, monitor and correct aspects of the bus driver’s work and conductor’s work, and the participant observation of a process of integration for admitted workers in the already mentioned company.

Excesso de peso em motoristas de ônibus da rede urbana / Excessive weight in urban bus drivers

Este estudo objetivou estimar a prevalência de excesso de peso em motoristas de ônibus da rede urbana de Joinville-SC e identificar possíveis fatores associados. Os dados foram coletados nos períodos matutino, vespertino e noturno, de junho a novembro de 2009, nos pontos terminais da cidade. Participaram do estudo 306 motoristas, a maior parte (73,2%) classificada como excesso de peso, principalmente sobrepeso (48,7%). Cerca de um terço (28,8%) apresentou risco substancialmente aumentado de desenvolver doenças cardiovasculares e complicações metabólicas utilizando-se a Circunferência da Cintura (CC) como variável preditiva. A freqüência relativa aumentou para 41,5% quando utilizou-se a Relação Cintura-Quadril (RCQ) como variável preditiva para o mesmo risco. A prevalência de obesidade aumentou significativamente com a idade, chegando a 39,0% nos indivíduos com 50 ou mais anos de idade. Para esta faixa etária, a razão de prevalência de obesidade foi 2,79 vezes maior em relação aos motoristas com idade inferior ou igual a 29 anos. Tanto para excesso de peso como para obesidade as variáveis anos de estudo, estado civil, tabagismo, carga horária diária, pausas de 1 hora na jornada, tempo de trabalho na empresa e nível de atividade física não apresentaram significância estatística. A partir dos achados desse estudo as empresas de transporte urbano coletivo têm a justificativa para desenvolverem programas que incentivem o estabelecimento de um estilo de vida saudável para seus funcionários.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of overweight among urban bus drivers of Joinville-SC and identify possible associated factors. The data was collected in the morning, afternoon and evening, from June to November 2009, at the final bus station of the city. Tree hundred and six drivers participated in the study, most (73.2%) classified as overweight, particularly overweight (48.7%). About one third (28.8%) had substantially increased risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic complications using the Waist Circumference (WC) as predictive variable. The relative frequency increased to 41.5% when the Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) was used as predictive variable for the same risk. The prevalence of obesity increased significantly with age, reaching 39.0% in those who were 50 years old or over. For this age group, the prevalence ratio of obesity was 2.79 times greater than for drivers aged less than or equal to 29 years. For either overweight and obesity the variables years of education, marital status, smoking, daily working hours, breaks of 1 hour in the journey, working time in the same company and level of physical activity were not statistically significant. From the findings of this study, the urban transport companies have the justification to develop programs that encourage the establishment of a healthy lifestyle for its employees.

The Relationship between the Experience of an Accident and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Bus Drivers / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Mental fitness issues have recently become a point of dispute in the field of health. Drivers are occupationally in danger of a possible accident, and are also exposed to other factors aside from accidents that threaten their mental health. The purpose of this research is to examine the level and state of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and overall mental fitness in bus drivers. In addition, we wish to understand the various causes that can influence PTSD. METHODS: From April 1 to June 30, 2009, taking the region and number of workers into consideration, survey sheets were distributed to selected bus drivers who belonged to the public transportation union. The questionnaire included questions on experiences, details of accidents, the characteristics of the working environment, and the status of mental health. We used the Davidson Trauma Scale to investigate PTSD symptoms and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale to evaluate depression. RESULTS: Regardless of the type of accident, the group of bus drivers with accident experience showed stronger signs of suffering from PTSD. It seemed that the experience of an accident that caused the death of passengers or conflict with passengers were important factors for PTSD. Within the PTSD group, we found more symptoms of depression, and also this group is more likely to take time off work. CONCLUSIONS: The experience of an accident threatens the mental health of bus drivers. Since bus drivers are responsible for the safety of many citizens, we must work towards finding ways to protect their mental health.

Prevalência de hipertensão arterial entre motoristas de ônibus em Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul / Hypertension prevalence among bus drivers in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a prevalência de hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) em motoristas de ônibus urbanos de Santa Maria/RS e estudar fatores associados à mesma nesta categoria profissional. Metodologia: Realizou-se um estudo epidemiológico do tipo transversal com 214 motoristas e igual número de vizinhos, selecionados por sexo e idade. Foi utilizado um questionário individual padronizado e realizadas medidas da pressão arterial, peso e altura no domicílio do entrevistado. Resultados: A prevalência de HAS entre os motoristas foi de 22,4%, não apresentando diferença significativa entre os grupos, mesmo controlados os fatores de confusão. Entretanto, entre os motoristas, a obesidade (RP 2,30 IC95% 1,04-5,07) e os problemas psiquiátricosmenores (RP 2,26 IC95% 1,15-4,43) estiveram associados à HAS. Conclusões: O fato de Santa Maria ser uma cidade do interior, com um trânsito menos intenso e de menor complexidade pode ser uma explicação para que os motoristas não apresentem maior prevalência de HAS do que seus vizinhos. O perfil de classe parece ser mais importante do que as características específicas do trabalho de dirigir ônibus.

Objectives: The goal of this study was to verify the prevalence and to study associations between hypertension and bus drivers professional activity. Methods: A cross sectional study was conduced in the town of Santa Maria, involving 214 urban bus drivers and the same number of their neighbors, selected by sex and age. A standardized questionnaire was applied to each individual and their arterial tension, weight and height were measured at their home. Results: The hypertension prevalence among bus drivers was 22.4%. A significant difference was not observed with the control group, even after confounders were controlled. However, among drivers, obesity (RP 2.30 IC95% 1.04-5.07) and minor psychiatric disorders (RP 2.26 IC95%1.15-4.43) were associated to hypertension. Conclusions: The fact of Santa Maria being located in the country side, without such intense and complex traffic, can be the explanation for thedrivers not presenting a greater prevalence of hypertension when compared to their neighbors. The class profile probably surpasses bus drivers professional activity in hypertension determination.