ABSTRACT
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.
ABSTRACT
Background: In India, many forms of public transportation are available for passengers. Among them buses play a significant role. Work related psychological disorders affect workers in many occupations including those related to operating large vehicles. There are many psychological factors that may contribute to increase physical loading in the bus conductors. In India, the working conditions of bus conductors are poor and stressful and hence the purpose of this study was to find out the extent of psychological problems faced by the bus conductors. Objectives: To identify psychological issues in Navi Mumbai bus conductors Methods: Settings and design: A cross-sectional study carried out in Navi Mumbai among 100 bus conductors. Techniques: A questionnaire was developed to incorporate basic information on job profile, musculoskeletal issues and psychological components were evaluated using DASS 21 and work place stress scale. Results: Stress, anxiety and depression was evident in bus conductors along with work place stress. Conclusions: Navi Mumbai bus conductors faced psychological problems such as stress, anxiety, depression and work place stress.