Comparison of Physical, Occupational, and Sociocognitive Characteristics of Corporate and Private Taxi Drivers in Korea.

Jongsun Ok,Hyeongsu Kim,Kyonghwa Kang

doi:10.3390/healthcare9020224

Jongsun Ok, Hyeongsu Kim + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9020224

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Journal: Healthcare	Publication Date: Feb 17, 2021
Citations: 3	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Konkuk University, Chungwoon University

Abstract

Taxis are a form of public transport which is very closely related to the safety of the public. Although private and corporate taxis have quite different characteristics, there have only been a few studies comparing the characteristics of corporate and private taxis. Moreover, among various characteristics, research was conducted mainly focusing on occupational characteristics. This study was undertaken to compare various physical, occupational, and sociocognitive characteristics of corporate and private taxi drivers. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 22 August to 11 September 2018. The subjects of this study were 960 corporate and private taxi drivers over 30 years old in Seoul to compare the means and association between private and corporate taxi drivers’ characteristics. In terms of the physical characteristics, corporate taxi drivers’ general physical health status was worse. In terms of the occupational characteristics, corporate taxi drivers had a high working intensity, and the incidence rate of traffic accidents and near misses was also high. This comparison of the characteristics of corporate and private taxis is expected to serve as evidence for developing tailored policies and programs to improve the health of corporate and private taxi drivers.

Highlights

Private Taxi Drivers in Korea.Taxis are a form of public transport, and taxi drivers have unique physical, socioeconomic, occupational, and emotional characteristics that distinguish them from other employees
As shown in this study, corporate taxi drivers had more working days per week and greater average daily mileage than private taxi drivers, as well as more frequent night shifts per month. This means that, private taxi drivers were older than corporate taxi drivers, private taxi drivers can adjust their driving time according to their physical health status
Corporate taxi drivers who are members of employee health insurance are considered to have a higher rate of diagnosis of chronic diseases through medical institutions because they are less burdened with medical expenses than private taxi drivers who are members of self-employed health insurance

Summary

Introduction

Private Taxi Drivers in Korea.Taxis are a form of public transport, and taxi drivers have unique physical, socioeconomic, occupational, and emotional characteristics that distinguish them from other employees. Compared to white-collar workers, taxi drivers complained of more musculoskeletal symptoms related to the shoulder and back, and the rate of psychological stress such as anxiety and agitation was higher [1]. Taxi drivers are reported to have a greater burden in their efforts to achieve the target for daily taxi driving. This is because the wage of the taxi driver increases upon driving the taxi a longer distance within a specified time [2]. Taxi fares in Korea are only one-third of the fares based on distance and time compared to other

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