Occupational stress and its associated health disorders among bus drivers

Abstract

Background: Bus drivers as compared to workers in other jobs, are more likely to experience cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders and musculoskeletal disorders. Occupational stress is believed to play a significant role in causing these problems. The objective of this study is to assess the occupational stress and to find the prevalence of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal disorders among bus drivers and its association if any, with occupational stress . Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted from June 2004 -May 2005 among bus drivers of a Bus terminal of Mumbai city. 210 bus drivers were included in the study. Occupational stress was assessed by using Stress- related health complaints questionnaire. Results: Hypertension was seen among 24%, Dyspepsia, regurgitation among 52%, lower back among 79% of bus drivers. Morbidities were significantly high among the drivers who had high occupational stress score . Conclusions: Occupational stress is associated with hypertension, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal problems among bus drivers.