A Cross Sectional Study on Assessment of Stress among Auto- rickshaw Drivers in Urban Areas of Raichur

Abstract

Introduction: Auto rickshaw is one of the main mode of public transport in the urban and semi urbanregions. Auto rickshaw drivers may suffer from some kind of stress due to following reasons like finance,driving, health related issues, family issues, marital issues etc., all this may pose risk to the driver andfellow passengers. Objectives: The present study was conducted to determine the stress and its associationwith various factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the urban areas of Raichur.Different auto-rickshaw stands were randomly selected from different parts of the city. 206 auto-rickshawdrivers were selected by simple random sampling technique. The present study was carried out from Aprilto July 2019. Stress was assessed using perceived stress scale technique. Data was analysed using Epi infoV7.0 software. Results: Out of 206 auto-rickshaw drivers, the prevalence of stress among auto-rickshawdrivers was 29.61%, in which majority (17.96%) had moderate stress, followed by 11.65% had mild stress.Stress has highly significant association between age group and years of driving. Conclusion: This studyshows that the majority of risk factors are modifiable and preventable. Hence creating awareness is essential.