Health status, intention to seek health examination, and participation in health education among taxi drivers in jinan, china

Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors and the risk of metabolic syndrome in taxi drivers: A focus on street food

Background

In South Africa, similar to other populous countries, the taxi industry is an important form of transportation that contributes to the country's development. As a result, minibus taxi driving is an occupation characterized by strenuous activities such as long hours of driving, limited rest, and challenges related to securing passengers, among several others. Consequently, to combat stress, some commercial drivers resort to smoking, overeating unhealthy food sold at transportation interchange areas (i.e., taxi ranks), and participating in sedentary behaviors. Most of these activities are risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Aim

Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors that predispose South African taxi drivers who work in the Cape Town Metropole area to the risk of developing MetS.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used a convenient sampling method that included 185 male minibus taxi drivers aged 20 years or above. The participants were interviewed using a validated questionnaire to gather information regarding their sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle practices. They also underwent physical and metabolic assessments, and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria were used to diagnose people with MetS.

Results

Overall, the mean age and driving experience of the taxi drivers were 40.0 years (SD: 10.7) and 9.1 years (SD: 7.4), respectively, with those with MetS being significantly older and having more driving experience than those without. Older participants were 3 and 2.9 times more likely to be diagnosed with MetS than the younger participants. Most taxi drivers (70%) met the IDF diagnostic criteria for MetS. Smokers, those who spent more than 100 ZAR (USD 5.9) and those who spent less than 1.4 MET-minutes per week on physical activity were 1.96, 2.0, and 13.6 times more likely to suffer from MetS that those who were nonsmokers, those who spent less than 100 ZAR and those who spent <1.4 MET-minutes per week on physical activity. Consumption of alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), as well as takeaway and fried foods, snacks, and sold by the SF vendors, increased the likelihood of developing MetS, abnormal HDL-C, TG, and hypertension, while avoiding takeaway and fried foods decreased this likelihood. Taxi drivers who also avoided consuming fresh fruits had abnormal HDL-C.

Conclusion

These findings have significant public health implications, highlighting the need for South African policymakers to adopt a system-level approach to promote lifestyle changes among taxi drivers within the taxi industry. This can help reduce the health risks faced by these drivers and improve their overall health profile.

Occupational lower back pain and associated factors among taxi drivers in Mekelle city, north Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Objectives. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of lower back pain (LBP) among taxi drivers working in Mekelle city, Tigray, Ethiopia in 2018. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2018 on a sample of 294 male taxi drivers in Mekelle city, Tigray, Ethiopia. A self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to collect data. Independent variables that had a significant association were identified using logistic regression models. Results were reported using texts and frequency distribution tables. Results. From a total sample of 304 male drivers, 294 taxi drivers participated; hence, the response rate was 96.7%. Prevalence of self-reported LBP in the past 12 months among taxi drivers was 27.9%. Average daily hours of driving (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.296, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.194, 4.416]), using lumbar support while driving (AOR 2.075, 95% CI [1.130, 3.808]) and lack of ergonomic awareness (AOR 2.478, 95% CI [1.343, 4.575]) were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with LBP among taxi drivers. Conclusion. Prevalence of LBP in this study was more than a quarter. Average daily hours driving, use of lumbar support and ergonomics awareness were significant determinants of LBP among taxi drivers.

Factors Associated with Psychological Distress of Online Drivers in Medan Regency, North Sumatera, Indonesia

Background: In developing countries, public health issues that are often discussed about psychological distress that can be characterized by anxiety, sadness, stress, depression, and confusing feelings. Online drivers have the potential to experience the stress of psychological distress. The individual is faced with various pressures from work or family such as competition between transportation to get passengers daily, long working time to achieve the target leads, the obligation to pay off the loan, and responsibilities to family needs often cause stress. Method: This study was a multivariate type of predictive analysis to finding out factors associated with GHQ-12 scores of the online drivers with 110 samples who have fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Found the factors associated with psychological distress that is marital status, number of family members, length of education, working experience, age, length of work/day, daily target achievement, and total income/month of online drivers Conclusion: From the results of this study it was found that the most associated factors with psychological distress scores are total income/month.

Environmental and Health Effects of Benzene Exposure among Egyptian Taxi Drivers

Objectives

To study environmental exposure to benzene as well as hematological effects of benzene exposure in taxi drivers.

Background

Exposure to benzene has been associated with adverse health effects, including haematopoietic disorders.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was carried out from the beginning of April 2017, through the end of June 2018, on 280 taxi drivers (the exposed group) and 120 unexposed matched individuals (controls). The tools included a predesigned self-administered questionnaire which contained questions about personal data (e.g., age, educational level, and smoking) and exposure data (e.g., duration and nature of exposure). Investigations involved complete blood count. Environmental studies for light-chain aromatic hydrocarbons (BTEX components: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) were done.

Results

Mean values (ppm) of ambient concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (0.81 ± 0.42, 26.69 ± 0.54, 29.36 ± 2.35, and 25.11 ± 2.06, respectively) in the stations were higher than international permissible levels (P < 0.001). On studying the clinical manifestations during the last two weeks, the prevalence of pallor, dizziness, headache, waist and back pain, fatigue, dry throat, and discomfort was significantly higher in taxi drivers (27.1%, 24.3%, 21.4%, 28.6%, 45.7%, 24.3%, and 25.7%, respectively) than among the controls (6.7%, 4.2%, 6.7%, 10%, 10%, 6.7%, 6.7%, and 9.2%, respectively). For chronic diseases, hypertension was the most prevalent chronic disease among the drivers (17.1%) than the controls (5.8%) (P=0.002). Regarding self-assessment of health status, 20.0% of taxi drivers reported poor health while 31.4% reported very good health (P < 0.001). MCH (pg), TLC (×103/μl), and platelets (×103/μl) were significantly lower among taxi drivers (26.33 ± 2.31, 6.55 ± 1.38, and 189.07 ± 53.25, respectively) (P=0.005, <0.001, and <0.001 respectively).

Conclusion

Abnormal hematological findings among taxi drivers were found on exposure to benzene. Health of taxi drivers is generally affected. Setting a clinic for periodic checkup and health education for taxi drivers is highly recommended.

Individual, business-related, and work environment factors associated with driving tired among taxi drivers in two metropolitan U.S. cities

INTRODUCTION

Violence-related events and roadway incidents are the leading causes of injury among taxi drivers. Fatigue is under-recognized and prevalent in this workforce and is associated with both injury outcomes. We describe the association of individual, business-related, and work environment factors with driving tired among taxi drivers in two very different cities.

METHOD

We developed a comprehensive survey for licensed taxi drivers. We trained surveyors to administer the 30-min survey using systematic sampling among taxi drivers waiting for fares in two large U.S. cities: the Southwest (City 1) and the West (City 2). A driving tired scale of the Occupational Driver Behavior Questionnaire was the outcome. Multivariate logistic models described driving tired behavior in city-specific models using adjusted Odds Ratios (ORadj).

RESULTS

City 1 and City 2 had 496 and 500 participants, respectively. Each driving tired behavior was significantly more prevalent in City 2 than City 1 (p < .05). There were more variables and a greater diversity of variables in the models describing drowsy driving in City 1 than City 2. In City 1, variables describing negative safety climate (ORadj = 1.15), socio-demographic groups (identifying as Asian, educational attainment), passenger-related violence (ORadj = 1.79), and company tenure (ORadj =1.15) were associated with driving tired. In City 2, high perceived safety training usefulness (ORadj = 0.48) was associated with driving tired. A risk factor for driving tired that was common to both cities was job demands (ORadj = 1.21 in City 1; 1.43 in City 2).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings represent two diverse taxi populations driving in two geographically distinct regions that differ in safety regulation. It is important that safety measures that include fatigue awareness training are reaching all drivers. Fatigue management training should be integrated into driver safety programs regardless of location. Practical applications: Fatigue management strategies that recognize individual factors, business-related characteristics, and work environment are an important component of road safety and are particularly relevant for occupational drivers.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety and Stress among Professional Cab Drivers in New Delhi

Background

The profession of drivers is one of the occupational groups exposed to very poor working conditions. This study aimed to establish the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among cab drivers.

Materials and Methods

This cross-sectional study included 134 cab drivers. Their mental health status was assessed with the help of a screening tool - Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Their demographic details, working conditions, lifestyle factors and use of habit-forming substances were also assessed with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire.

Results

It was revealed that all cab drivers were male and between 20 to 64 years of age. Eighty two (62%) drivers said they are sometimes irritated at work, 29 (21.5%) said they feel irritated daily and rest 23 (17.2%) said that they were never irritated at work. When screened for depression, anxiety and stress, it was found out that 81 (60.5%) were suffering from depression, 63 (47%) from anxiety and 49 (36.5%) had variable degree of stress.

Conclusion

Cab drivers are at high risk of acquiring mental health diseases, yet the mental health of this large workforce is ignored.