IMPACT OF EATING HABITS AND LIFESTYLE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT DRIVERS OF MPK IN CZESTOCHOWA S. A. ON GENERAL WELL-BEING – PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Background. Out of concern for human resources and the quality of transport services, transport companies need information that would allow them to design effective interventions to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity among drivers and the associated risks. To design such interventions, knowledge about habits of drivers and their impact on health is essential. This study was aimed at examining the impact of eating habits and lifestyle of public transport drivers of MPK in Czestochowa S.A. on general well-being. The research method applied was a survey that included original questions about the lifestyle and eating habits of drivers, as well as a 24-hour dietary recall and the WHO-5 well-being questionnaire. Results and conclusions. A high percentage (42 %) of the surveyed drivers were characterized by a poor well-being. These drivers were more likely to smoke and sleep less than 6 hours a night than other drivers, and were less likely to supplement their diet with vitamin D, consumed less coffee and snacks, and ate less frequent meals. The two groups of drivers also differed in fibre intake, which was lower in drivers with a poor well-being. The only statistically significant difference between the study groups was the percentage of smokers, however, taking into account the literature data, future studies should also take into account other mentioned factors and be carried out with the participation of about 270 drivers. Further work on the impact of drivers' habits may allow designing effective interventions to support the sustainable working environment in transport companies.