EFFECT OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON MENTAL HEALTH

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Bangalore is one of the most sought-after cities in the country with rapid growth in IT industry and rise in the number of job opportunities which has led to increase in vehicular population to about 1.5 million, with an annual growth rate of 7-10%. Traffic congestion has been found to disturb mood, lead to frustration and work absences. Hence the present study was undertaken to know the emotional states of stress, anxiety and depression in city bus drivers and compare the results with non-drivers of similar working environment. OBJECTIVES: To measure stress, anxiety and depression in city bus drivers. And, to compare the results with non-drivers of similar working environment. METHODOLOGY: Comparative parallel study done with 30 male city bus drivers as cases and 30 male bus conductors as controls in the age group of 20-60 years. The study group was matched for working hours and socio economic status. Appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria were excised and informed consent was taken. Depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS), a 42 item questionnaire evaluating depression, anxiety and stress was administered to all subjects. RESULTS: compiled and statistically analyzed. Drivers were more stressed compared to non-drivers which was statistically significant (p<0.01), whereas anxiety and depression scores showed a similar trend though without a statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Results highlight that city bus drivers are more stressed compared to non-drivers working in the same environment. Therefore measures to combat the stress need to be emphasized.