Examining Stress and Corresponding Health Indicators on Safety for Commercial Drivers in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Chronic stress can contribute to poor health (including cardiovascular health), and vice versa. Both can impact job performance, which in the case of CMVDs impacts public safety. Objective: This study examines causal and correlative relationships between self-reported stress level, cardiovascular health, and safety for commercial motor vehicle drivers (CMVDs) in Abuja, Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 509 CMVDs in Abuja, Nigeria. Various lifestyle habits, working conditions and demographic factors were considered. Treatment rates among hypertensives were also measured. Multivariate models (logistic multivariate regression) and univariate relative risks were computed. Results: Higher self-reported stress was associated with tobacco use, high alcohol consumption, and lower weight. Prevalence of mid- to high-stress was 28% (140/509). Increased hypertension risk was associated with elevated pulse rate, higher pulse rate, higher alcohol consumption (for CMVDs over 40) and higher weight (for drivers under 40). Overall prevalence of hypertension was 39% (198/507), with 26% (63/246) for drivers under 40 and 47% (124/261) for drivers over 40. Screening tests for hypertension are common (234/260 or 90% for drivers over 40), but less than half (46%, or 74/158) of previously-tested hypertensive drivers had tested positive. Out of all drivers who had previously tested positive, 65% (68/104) were receiving treatment. No significant factor correlations with accident frequency were discovered.