Distraction and related risk factors among professional and non-professional drivers.

Background: Distraction is one of the main driver's behavioral factors that reduces the performance of the drivers and might increase the accident risk. Distraction while driving holds significant importance, especially among professional drivers, and failure to address this matter may result in adverse implications for traffic safety. The present study was conducted to investigate distraction and related risk factors between two groups of private vehicle drivers and taxi drivers. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in Tabriz, Iran in 2022. The total sample size in this study was 701 taxi drivers, professional drivers, and private vehicle drivers. The independent samples t-test was used to determine the statistically significant difference between groups and its sub-scales between the two studied groups. Moreover, the multivariable linear regression analysis was used to determine the predictors that affect distraction score. The test's level of significance was considered at 0.05. Results: The mean distraction score among taxi drivers surpasses that of private vehicle drivers (2.82 vs. 2.32, p-value<0.05). The drivers with negative scores, over the past year, among private vehicle drivers and taxi drivers were 2.5 % and 5.2 %, respectively (p-value<0.05). A group of taxi drivers exhibits a higher level of distraction while driving and the mean distraction score for private vehicle drivers is lower than that of taxi drivers (ß = -0.11, CI 95 %: 0.17, -0.05). Also, a history of damage or injury accidents has a significant impact on distraction while driving (ß = 0.12, CI 95 %; 0.06-0.17). Conclusions: The results indicate that distraction while driving is high amongst taxi drivers rather than private vehicle drivers. To have effective driver safety promotion interventions, it is recommended to consider driver distraction based on professional and non-professional drivers.

Prevalence of low back pain in professional drivers: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This meta-review aimed to investigate the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) in professional drivers. STUDY DESIGN: This study is a meta-analysis. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for cross-sectional studies on the prevalence of LBP in professional drivers up to August 2023. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality was utilized for cross-sectional analytical studies. Statistical analysis of the included outcome indicators was conducted using Stata 16.0. The prevalence of LBP among professional drivers was measured using the random effects model, and heterogeneity was evaluated utilizing subgroup analysis. This meta-analysis review was registered with PROSPERO on April 28, 2023, under the registration number CRD42023422205. RESULTS: In total, 1, 558 results met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 53 studies were included. The meta-analysis results indicated that professional drivers had a LBP prevalence of 35.0%, 95%CI (0.266, 0.433) for one week, 33.80%, 95%CI (0.233, 0.443) for one month, and 55.30%, 95%CI (0.503,0.603) for one year. In the global population of professional drivers, the prevalence of LBP was 56.0%, 95%CI (0.472, 0.648) and 54.5%, 95%CI (0.488, 0.602) without and with a history and high risk of LBP, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: LBP remains prevalent among international drivers and has multiple contributing factors, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and prevention strategies.

[Legal aspects of driving and cardiovascular diseases : Guidelines of German Cardiac Society and the German government in comparison]. / Rechtliche Aspekte der Fahreignung : Empfehlungen der DGK und der Begutachtungsleitlinie des Bundes im Vergleich.

BACKGROUND: The general regulations for an active participation in the road traffic in the Federal Republic of Germany are laid down in the Driving License Ordinance ("Fahrerlaubnisverordnung" ) (including appendices). Cardiovascular diseases with a need for precautionary measures and the circumstances according to which the driving fitness is to be determined are reviewed in appendix 4 of the ordinance. The guidelines of the Federal Highway Research Institute ("Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen") must also be considered when assessing the fitness to drive. OBJECTIVES: Presentation of the current legal recommendations in the assessment of the driving fitness in the respect to cardiovascular diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current official regulations and the recommendations on the fitness to drive in the case of cardiovascular diseases were assessed. In addition, the pocket guidelines of the German Society for Cardiology (DGK) on the subject were reviewed. RESULTS: As the type of vehicle and time at the wheel influence the probability and the extent of damage in the case of a traffic accident, the official requirements for driving aptitude distinguish between private (group 1) and professional drivers (group 2). The official recommendations for assessing fitness to drive in the case of cardiac arrhythmias, device therapy, coronary heart disease, cardiac insufficiency, valve diseases and syncope are presented. CONCLUSION: Driving fitness plays an important role in the cardiological patient collective and should be determined in accordance with the official recommendations. For everyday clinical practice, the DGK recommendations for fitness to drive are presented in a clearer and more practice-relevant manner.

Acute-on-Chronic Pattern of Isolated Upper Back Pain in a Patient With Acute Coronary Syndrome.

The aim of this case report is to describe the diagnostic pitfalls of acute coronary syndrome in patients with relatively atypical presentation and how we can prevent diagnostic errors in such a patient, particularly focusing on occupational information. A 66-year-old male, a professional taxi driver, presented with severely deteriorated chronic upper back pain on the left side. Furthermore, the upper back pain was exacerbated by changes in position. An orthopedist examined the patient and arrived at a provisional diagnosis of musculoskeletal pain. However, as the patient was concerned about his cardiopulmonary diseases, he visited another physician. Although musculoskeletal pain was still considered as the most possible diagnosis, the physician advised him additional tests for cardiovascular diseases because he had some risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, and the physician thought that "taxi driving" was a high-risk occupation for cardiovascular diseases. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome, and the pain abated soon after percutaneous coronary intervention. Musculoskeletal pain is very common in professional drivers, and isolated upper back pain worsened by changes in position is a characteristic of musculoskeletal disease. However, since professional drivers also have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, physicians should consider the coexistence of two types of conditions. This case underscores that if physicians could utilize occupational information to assess patients' risks, diagnostic accuracy would improve, particularly in patients presenting with atypical symptoms and signs, which are at risk of diagnostic errors.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among taxi drivers in Yaoundé, Cameroon: preventive effect of physical activity.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are very common conditions in the workplace. Among professional drivers, there would be an increased risk of developing these disorders. Identifying the associated factors would allow us to better devise effective prevention strategies. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of MSDs among taxi drivers in the city of Yaoundé and to search for associated factors, mainly the level of physical activity. METHODS: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study of 151 adult male professional taxi drivers. We used a non-probabilistic consecutive and non-exhaustive sampling method. Sociodemographic, anthropometric and occupational data were collected. MSDs over the past 12 months were assessed using the Nordic Questionnaire and physical activity level was determined by the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Univariate logistic regression models, followed by a multivariate logistic regression, were used to determine factors associated with the presence of MSDs. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of MSDs was 86.8% (95% CI 80.8 - 91.4); the most affected areas were mainly the lower back (72.8%) the neck (42.4%), and the knees (29.1%). Job dissatisfaction was associated with MSDs (OR = 2.1 95%CI = 1.1-3.9). Most taxi drivers (62.9%) had a low physical activity level and no association was found between the physical activity level and MSDs. CONCLUSIONS: MSDs are common ailments among taxi drivers in Yaoundé (Cameroon). There is a need to think about how to address job dissatisfaction and better identify other associated factors in order to define good prevention strategies.

Distractions by work-related activities: The impact of ride-hailing app and radio system on male taxi drivers.

Use of ride-hailing mobile apps has surged and reshaped the taxi industry. These apps allow real-time taxi-customer matching of taxi dispatch system. However, there are also increasing concerns for driver distractions as a result of these ride-hailing systems. This study aims to investigate the effects of distractions by different ride-hailing systems on the driving performance of taxi drivers using the driving simulator experiment. In this investigation, fifty-one male taxi drivers were recruited. During the experiment, the road environment (urban street versus motorway), driving task (free-flow driving versus car-following), and distraction type (no distraction, auditory distraction by radio system, and visual-manual distraction by mobile app) were varied. Repeated measures ANOVA and random parameter generalized linear models were adopted to evaluate the distracted driving performance accounting for correlations among different observations of a same driver. Results indicate that distraction by mobile app impairs driving performance to a larger extent than traditional radio systems, in terms of the lateral control in the free-flow motorway condition and the speed control in the free-flow urban condition. In addition, for car-following task on urban street, compensatory behaviour (speed reduction) is more prevalent when distracted by mobile app while driving, compared to that of radio system. Additionally, no significant difference in subjective workload between distractions by mobile app and radio system were found. Several driver characteristics such as experience, driving records, and perception variables also influence driving performances. The findings are expected to facilitate the development of safer ride-hailing systems, as well as driver training and road safety policy.

Shift work and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) among professional drivers.

BACKGROUND: Shift work may be associated with insulin resistance. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the potential association between shift work and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index in professional drivers. METHOD: A total of four hundred fifty-three professional drivers were invited to participate in the study within a periodic medical examination in the occupational setting. One hundred seventy-seven daytime workers were compared with 175 night shifts and 101 early morning shift drivers. Demographic, occupational, and medical examination including blood pressure, anthropometric data was assessed. Measurement of serum insulin, fasting blood glucose and lipid profile were done for all drivers. RESULTS: Compared with day workers, night shift and early morning shift drivers displayed higher levels of HOMA-IR. Metabolic syndrome was found to be significantly increased in night workers. In linear regression analysis, insulin resistance was correlated with shift work independently of demographic and occupational characteristics. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that shift work could be a risk factor in developing the risk of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. Suggestively, health strategies such as structured lifestyle counseling in occupational health settings are warranted to improve and modify cardiometabolic risk factors.

Assessing cardiovascular links to depression and anxiety in Australian professional drivers.

Train and truck drivers experience a myriad of unique occupational factors, which have been postulated to contribute to a high incidence of health conditions such as depression anxiety and cardiovascular disease amongst this population. The present study aimed to identify associations between heart rate variability and negative mood states such as depression and anxiety in a cohort of Australian truck and train drivers. 120 professional drivers (60 truck drivers, 60 train drivers) were recruited from the local community. Participants complete a battery of psychometric questionnaires to assess levels of negative mood states such as depression and anxiety. Participants then completed a baseline (resting) and active (driving) task while concurrent electrocardiography data was collected to obtain heart rate variability parameters. Anxiety and depression were found to be associated with increases in low frequency heart rate variability and sympathovagal balance, and a reduction in total power. The present study identified associations between negative mood states and heart rate variability parameters that are unique to this cohort.

Metabolic syndrome and its determinants among professional drivers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Drivers are one of the trade unions that are most exposed to various health-related risks, especially metabolic diseases. The present study aimed to systematically assess the overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its determinants among drivers in the world. METHODS: All retrospective, cross-sectional, or prospective studies evaluating the prevalence and risk for metabolic syndrome and its main components among male professional drivers were eligible for the initial assessment. PRISMA guideline was used. Two blinded reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts of the manuscripts followed by a deep assessment of the full texts for determining the inclusion appropriateness. RESULTS: In the final, 12 articles were eligible for the final analysis. Overall, 19,350 professional male drivers with a total average age of 43.06 years (ranged from 35.5 to 51.1 years) were included in the study. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was estimated to be 32.8% (95%CI: 32.1% to 33.5%), and the major determinants of appearing this syndrome among professional drivers were advanced age, years of driving experience, higher body mass index, smoking, high cholesterol dietary regimen, high Framingham risk score, low regular exercising, history of diabetes mellitus, history of gout, and shift work pattern. CONCLUSION: According to the 32.8% prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome among drivers, managerial measures are needed to prevent and control metabolic disturbances among professional drivers are recommended.

A Road Safety-Based Selection Methodology for Professional Drivers: Behaviour and Accident Rate Analysis.

In this paper, we examine the factors affecting the behaviour of road users and the impact of these factors on professional drivers' reliability and performance. A professional driver is considered as a driver involved in the processes of driving a vehicle as a matter of his/her business or the transportation of passengers or goods by bus or lorry, with higher liability in terms of road safety and requiring a higher degree of maintained attentiveness, constant concentration, and working capacity. This article highlights the process of selecting a professional driver by focusing on the driver's individual and psychophysiological characteristics. An anonymous survey on professional drivers and a statistical analysis of the accidents caused by professional drivers was used to research the impact of fatigue on the behaviour of road users. The conducted statistical analysis demonstrates that the amount of professional driving experience most conducive to driving a vehicle safely was observed at between 29 and 33 years of experience. It was also found that a higher probability of causing an accident after rest days is related to the driver's long period of engagement at work and inadequate rest. This study demonstrates that specific requirements should be applied to the methodologies for selecting professional drivers, the research on the reliability of which aims to develop a concept that enables opting for those drivers able to properly perform hired work, causing minimal losses due to road accidents.

Incapacidad laboral permanente por patología vestibular en conductores profesionales: un estudio transversal / Permanent work disability due to vestibular pathology in professional drivers: a cross-sectional study

Introducción: la Patología Vestibular afecta a la capacidad laboral y personal de los pacientes que sufren esta enfermedad. Método: estudio observacional, descriptivo, analítico y transversal. Como población de estudio se ha comparado a los conductores profesionales frente al resto de profesiones. Las variables usadas han sido: comunidad autónoma, género, edad, patología vestibular, situación de incapacidad temporal, tipo de contingencia, régimen de cotización, CNAE-2009, profesión (CNO-11), tipo de inicio de expediente, calificación, resolución del expediente y tiempo que tarda en resolverse en función de la resolución del expediente. Resultados: la muestra de expedientes estudiados ha sido de 597, que corresponden a los expedientes por incapacidad permanente presentados en España durante el 2018 para obtener la calificación de incapacitado permanente, o bien denegar dicha prestación. Del total de expedientes valorados, 72 (12.06%) corresponde a conductores profesionales y 525 (87.94%) al resto de categorías. El sexo mayoritario corresponde a hombres (326, 54.61%) con una franja de edad >55 años (276, 46.23%). Con la categoría de enfermedad común aparecen 574 expedientes (96.15%) y el 53.94% (n=322) de estos se inician de oficio. De todos los expedientes presentados, el 55.61% (n=270) tienen una calificación de no incapacitado y el 35.85% (n=214) de incapacidad total. En el contraste de hipótesis hemos obtenido una Odds Ratio de 2.42 (IC95%: 1.42-4.19) con p<0.001. Conclusiones: ser conductor profesional es un factor de riesgo para que un expediente de incapacidad permanente por patología vestibular se resuelva de forma favorable. (AU)

Introduction: vestibular disease affects occupational and personal capacities of those patients who suffers this disease. Method: observational, descriptive, analytic and transversal study. As population for study, we compare the professional drivers to the rest of professional workers. The variables used are: Autonomous community, gender, age, vestibular disease, temporal disability situation, type of contingency, contribution rates, CNAE-2009, Profession (CON-11), start of record, qualifications, expedient resolution, and the time it takes for a case resolution according to case resolution variable. Results: the total sample of study shows 597 cases, those are the cases that have been evaluated for permanent disability by vestibular disease in Spain during 2008, that eventually are qualified for permanent disability or whether not. Of the total sample of cases evaluated, 72 (12.06%) correspond to professional drivers and 525 (87.94%) to the rest of professionals. The majority gender group correlates to males, with a total of 326 cases (54.61%) with an age group superior to 55 years old (276, 46.23%). In the category of Common diseases it appears 574 cases (96.15%) and all of these, 53.94% (n=322) were initiated ex officio. Of all cases presented, 55.61% (n=270) present a resolution of not disabled and the 35.85% (n=214) with total disability. In the hypothesis testing we obtain an Odds’ ratio result of 2.42 (IC95%: 1.42-4.19) with p<0.001. Conclusions: being professional driver is a risk factor for those cases where permanent disability would be resolved in a favourable way. (AU)

Self-reported view on work capacity predicts abnormal Oxford Sleep Resistance Test results in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The Oxford Sleep Resistance Test is an objective vigilance test based on behavior. It is a modified version of the maintenance of wakefulness test and is considered less burdensome and less expensive than the maintenance of wakefulness test. Although professional drivers with obstructive sleep apnea in Europe must be assessed for their ability to maintain adequate wakefulness on a yearly basis, Oxford Sleep Resistance Test results are usually normal in this population. In this retrospective observational study, we searched for predictive factors of abnormal Oxford Sleep Resistance Test sleep latency. METHODS: We included 1,071 Oxford Sleep Resistance Test results of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (95% men, aged 21-74 years). Mean sleep latency < 40 minutes was considered abnormal. RESULTS: Sleep latency was abnormal in 12.0% of tests. Participants at risk for abnormal test results self-reported as being sleepy, depressed, on sick leave, unemployed, or retired or considered themselves unable to work. In a logistic regression model, the self-reported view on work capacity was the most important predictor of abnormal Oxford Sleep Resistance Test sleep latency (odds ratio, 3.5). Ongoing sick leave was also an important predictor for abnormal test results. CONCLUSIONS: A self-reported good ability to work predicts that a patient with sleep apnea can maintain wakefulness in a vigilance test. This may help in reducing the increasing challenge with frequent tests.

Acceptance of truck platooning by professional drivers on German highways. A mixed methods approach.

Truck platoon driving is a current branch of automated driving, which has the potential to radically change the work routine of professional drivers. In a platoon system, one truck (semi-)automatically follows a lead truck with a reduced distance, which produces significant savings in fuel and enables better traffic flow. In a current application of truck platoon driving, the following vehicle operates at level-2 automation. Thus, the driver of the following truck merely has to supervise the semi-automated system, which takes over steering and speed control when engaged. Level-2 truck platoon driving had not been tested with professional drivers in real traffic before. We hypothesized that user acceptance would improve after the experience of platoon driving. Quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 drivers before and after an extensive Autobahn experience. The results show a clear increase of acceptance after the experience. Platoon driving was evaluated to be more useful, easier to use, and safer after the experience. Besides perceived driving safety, the prestige of truck platooning, the perceived usefulness of the system, and general technology affinity co-determined user acceptance.

Evaluación de los riesgos ocupacionales asociados a indicadores bioquímicos en conductores profesionales / Evaluation of occupational risks associated to biochemical indicators in professional drivers

Introducción: en el campo de la Seguridad y Salud Laboral, el transporte por carretera sigue enfrentándose a una serie de condicionantes. La implantación de actuaciones en materia preventiva en las empresas del sector se viene realizando de una manera gradual, impulsada por el interés de las administraciones estatales y autonómicas, empresarios y trabajadores, y sus organizaciones respectivas. Objetivo: evaluar ergonómicamente los principales riesgos asociados a dicha actividad. Materiales y métodos: la evaluación consta de tres fases: la identificación y evaluación de riesgos a que están sometidos los conductores profesionales, la valoración de patologías potenciales asociadas a la actividad, la identificación de indicadores bioquímicos comprometidos con la actividad. Resultados: se destaca en la primera fase los accidentes de tránsito, los períodos largos de conducción sin descanso y las características de la vía. La segunda fase se desarrolla a partir de un reconocimiento médico y una encuesta para conocer las patologías potenciales, señalándose a los trastornos músculo-esqueléticos, la diabetes, los trastornos gastrointestinales y las alteraciones cardiovasculares como las de mayor presencia. En la tercera y última fase se analizan los indicadores bioquímicos: colesterol, glucosa, triglicéridos y apolipoproteína B. Finalmente se muestran las causas que pudieran condicionarlos, así como algunos elementos que deben ser considerados para minimizar su influencia en la salud de los conductores. Conclusiones: como resultado de la evaluación se determinaron los principales riesgos ergonómicos y se reafirma el criterio existente de considerar que las profesiones estresantes comprometen a diversas estructuras somáticas y sensoriales, cuyas manifestaciones son medibles y permiten inferir el desgaste sufrido por el organismo (AU).

Introduction: in the field of Occupational Security and Health, highway transportation is still affronting a series of conditionings. The implantation of preventive actions in transport enterprises is been taking place gradually, forced by the interest of government and autonomic administrations, businessmen and workers and their respective organizations. Aim: to evaluate ergonomically the main risks associated to driving. Materials and Methods: the evaluation has three stages: the identification and assessment of the risks professional drivers are at, the assessment of potential pathologies associated to the activity, the identification of bio-chemical indicators involved in the activity. Outcomes: driving long periods without break and highway’s characteristics stood out in the first stage. The second stage is developed beginning from a medical examination and a survey to know the potential pathologies, being the musculoskeletal disorders, diabetes, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders the ones with higher presence. In the first and last stage biochemical indicators are analyzed: cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides and apolipoprotein B. Finally, the causes that may condition them are showed, and also several elements that should be considered to minimize their influence on drivers´ health. Conclusions: the main ergonomic risks were determined as a result of the assessment and it also was reaffirmed the existent criteria of considering that stressing professions compromise several somatic and sensorial structures, the manifestations of which are measurable and allow to infer the burnout the organism suffered (AU).

Evaluación de los riesgos ocupacionales asociados a indicadores bioquímicos en conductores profesionales / Evaluation of occupational risks associated to biochemical indicators in professional drivers

Introducción: en el campo de la Seguridad y Salud Laboral, el transporte por carretera sigue enfrentándose a una serie de condicionantes. La implantación de actuaciones en materia preventiva en las empresas del sector se viene realizando de una manera gradual, impulsada por el interés de las administraciones estatales y autonómicas, empresarios y trabajadores, y sus organizaciones respectivas. Objetivo: evaluar ergonómicamente los principales riesgos asociados a dicha actividad. Materiales y métodos: la evaluación consta de tres fases: la identificación y evaluación de riesgos a que están sometidos los conductores profesionales, la valoración de patologías potenciales asociadas a la actividad, la identificación de indicadores bioquímicos comprometidos con la actividad. Resultados: se destaca en la primera fase los accidentes de tránsito, los períodos largos de conducción sin descanso y las características de la vía. La segunda fase se desarrolla a partir de un reconocimiento médico y una encuesta para conocer las patologías potenciales, señalándose a los trastornos músculo-esqueléticos, la diabetes, los trastornos gastrointestinales y las alteraciones cardiovasculares como las de mayor presencia. En la tercera y última fase se analizan los indicadores bioquímicos: colesterol, glucosa, triglicéridos y apolipoproteína B. Finalmente se muestran las causas que pudieran condicionarlos, así como algunos elementos que deben ser considerados para minimizar su influencia en la salud de los conductores. Conclusiones: como resultado de la evaluación se determinaron los principales riesgos ergonómicos y se reafirma el criterio existente de considerar que las profesiones estresantes comprometen a diversas estructuras somáticas y sensoriales, cuyas manifestaciones son medibles y permiten inferir el desgaste sufrido por el organismo (AU).

Introduction: in the field of Occupational Security and Health, highway transportation is still affronting a series of conditionings. The implantation of preventive actions in transport enterprises is been taking place gradually, forced by the interest of government and autonomic administrations, businessmen and workers and their respective organizations. Aim: to evaluate ergonomically the main risks associated to driving. Materials and Methods: the evaluation has three stages: the identification and assessment of the risks professional drivers are at, the assessment of potential pathologies associated to the activity, the identification of bio-chemical indicators involved in the activity. Outcomes: driving long periods without break and highways characteristics stood out in the first stage. The second stage is developed beginning from a medical examination and a survey to know the potential pathologies, being the musculoskeletal disorders, diabetes, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders the ones with higher presence. In the first and last stage biochemical indicators are analyzed: cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides and apolipoprotein B. Finally, the causes that may condition them are showed, and also several elements that should be considered to minimize their influence on drivers´ health. Conclusions: the main ergonomic risks were determined as a result of the assessment and it also was reaffirmed the existent criteria of considering that stressing professions compromise several somatic and sensorial structures, the manifestations of which are measurable and allow to infer the burnout the organism suffered (AU).

[Comparison of exposure to stress and analysis of ways of coping with stress among freight transport and public transport drivers]. / Porównanie narazenia na stres i analiza sposobów radzenia sobie z nim wsród kierowców samochodów dostawczych i kierowców komunikacji miejskiej.

BACKGROUND: Fast progress in a lot of economic sectors has greatly contributed to a growing role of road transportation systems, including freight transport and passenger transport. The job of professional drivers is regarded as extremely hard and dangerous, it is associated with high risk of health loss and even life loss. This profession is also associated with mental burden, the main cause of the absence at work and alarming number of road accidents. The aim of study was to compare exposure to stress, check the level of stress and ways to cope with stress in 2 groups of drivers (N = 187). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out among public transport drivers and freight transport drivers. The authors' own questionnaire and 2 psychological tests: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and Inventory to Measure Coping Strategies with Stress (Mini-COPE) were used as the study tools. RESULTS: The level of stress is high in both groups, mostly due to a similar type of work. Both groups practice similar ways to cope with stress, but active ways predominate. CONCLUSIONS: The work of a professional driver is considered as extremely stressful. The level of stress among professional drivers should be under continuous control. Employers should introduce preventive programs and educate employees about some professional ways to cope with stress. Med Pr 2016;67(4):455-466.

Considerações acerca da incidência do estresse em motoristas profissionais / Considerations concerning the incidence of the stress in professional drivers

O trabalho dos motoristas profssionais tem sido analisado sob diversas formas. Entre eles, o tema estresse merece destaque por converte-se em riscos internos para a saúde física-mental e/ou em riscos externos, como agressividade e impulsividade na atuação profssional. Este estudo focaliza a incidência de estresse nos motoristas profssionais da região metropolitana do Recife. Foi aplicado um Questionário Avaliativo de Sintomas Característicos de Estresse em 60 motoristas profssionais. Os resultados indicam predominância de sintomas da presença de estresse no comportamento emocional destes motoristas. Sugerem-se novos estudos para enriquecer aspectos teóricos e metodológicos das pesquisas sobre estresse, já que esses são discutidos de maneira diversa e fluida na literatura científca.

The work of the professional drivers has been analyzed under diverse forms. The subjects as stress deserve prominence for are become into internal risks for the physics-mental health and/or into external risks, as aggressiveness and impulsiveneness in the professional performance. This study it focuses the incidence of stress in the professional drivers of the region metropolitan of Recife. Questionnaire Evaluate de Characteristic Symptoms of Stress in 60 professional drivers was applied. The results indicate predominance of symptoms of the presence of stress in the emotional behavior of these drivers. New studies are suggested to enrich theoretical and metodológicos aspects of the research on stress, since these are argued in diverse and fluid way in scientifc literature.