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

Abstract

Background: The job of bus driving involves several health risks. Both individual behaviours and work environmental variables contribute to higher obesity prevalence and risk of excess weight gain in this occupational group. This study has been planned to study the prevalence of obesity among bus drivers and to make recommendations to prevent obesity among bus drivers. Methods: The study was planned among bus drivers of the bus depots of Metropolitan Transport Corporation Limited, Chennai between January 2014 and June 2014. The sample size was calculated based on the assumption where the prevalence was 50%. Considering Confidence level of 95%, absolute precision of 5% with 10% excess sampling to account for non- response, the sample size derived was 422. Multistage sampling method was used. The required information was obtained by means of validated questionnaire and also by anthropometric measurements. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 42.32yrs. 41% of respondents were overweight. 14.5% of the respondents were found to be obese. Of the obese 22.7% were in the age group of above 50 yrs. There was found to be a statistical significance between age and obesity with a chi square value of 13.60 and a p value of less than 0.001. Conclusions: There was a significant association between age and obesity among bus drivers. There was also vast scope to avoid health risk factors by routine exercise, having regular diet and rest. With the help of experts of yoga, meditation, physical educationist, gymnasium experts etc. the drivers may be given counselling as to how to maintain the body mass index.