Morbidity profile of long distance truck drivers in Hyderabad city, India.

Abstract

Truck drivers in India suffer from multiple health problems related to their long travelling and inadequate rest hours. The objective was to study the health problems and risk factors in a sample of truck drivers in Hyderabad city. A cross-sectional study was conducted during June 2011 among 59 truck drivers from a transport company, who were interviewed using a pretested proforma and examined by trained investigators. Lab results and medical consultations were provided the following day. Results were analyzed using Microsoft Access software. The mean age of truck drivers was 28.46 ± 9.3 years. 54% suffered from low backache, 16.95% from visual problems, 45.76% had hypertension, 8.47% had anemia and 30.51% had high-risk body mass index. The prevalence of risk factors for metabolic disorders was lower compared to the general population. Proper road and job policies for truck drivers should be framed, aiming at subjecting them for periodic health evaluations to detect the diseases early.