Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in bus and truck drivers in Kashan, Iran

Abstract

BackgroundBus and truck drivers are apparently more involved in metabolic syndrome and its complications due to their working conditions. The related impacts are not only harmful for driver's health, but also may endanger others. The present research was carried out to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among bus and truck drivers in Kashan, a city in Iran.MaterialsIn 2007, 429 bus and truck male drivers were enrolled to this cross sectional study to examine the metabolic syndrome using ATPIII criteria. Statistical tests including Chi-Square test, T-student test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data.ResultsPrevalence of metabolic syndrome in subjects was 35.9%. Hypertension and diabetes were seen in 42.9% and 7% of the drivers respectively. Body mass index (BMI) in 41% of the drivers within the range of 25-30 was considered overweight and 23% of them were found to be obese. High triglyceride (53.4%) and low HDL-C levels (48.7%) were more common than other components of metabolic syndrome. A significant positive correlation was seen between BMI, diabetes, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome (p < 0.001); but there was no positive correlation between metabolic syndrome and smoking (p < 0.06).ConclusionHigh prevalence of metabolic syndrome and other relevant risk factors for coronary heart diseases (CHD) were detected among the drivers. Based on these findings, it is recommended to consider training programs, establish pertinent health regulations, and focus on the metabolic syndrome complications in high risk group to improve and maintain their quality of life and to promote their public health.

Survey of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and Health in Professional Drivers

“…This positive correlation in most cases had a significant difference (P < 0.01). These results are consistent with other studies (14,15). The majority of drivers are overweight according to BMI.…”

A cross sectional study on prevalence of obesity among bus drivers of Metropolitan Transport Corporation Limited, Chennai

“…9 In a study conducted by Saberi and others in Iran in 2011, 41% were with overweight and 23% were found to be with obesity. 10 In a study conducted by Mohebbi and others in Iranian professional drivers in 2012, overweight was found to be 41.4% cases and obesity was found to be 21.3%. 11 In the present study among the respondents those with overweight was found to be 41.1% and those with obesity was found to be 14.5% which were similar to the above studies.…”

Road Life Perspectives and Experiences among Iranian Truck Drivers: A Qualitative Study

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“…They usually experience conditions which can place them in risk of encountering problems in their lives, such as going on long trips, the absence of proper resting places and unsuitable facilities on the existing road (8)(9)(10). Moreover, working and living in low mobility status, night driving or non-stop and tiring driving, and a high calorie intake predispose truck drivers to metabolic syndromes and cardiovascular problems (11). The wear and tear of vehicles, poor condition of the roads and an increase in daily work hours are some of the factors related to working living environment makes the Iranian truck drivers encounter physical (12) and mental (9) health problems.…”