Prevalence of hypertension and diabetes and their determinants among commercial drivers in Ibadan metropolis, South-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Undetected hypertension and diabetes could result in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications and may result in fatal road accidents if they occur while driving. Commercial drivers are prone to risk factors for these diseases. This study determined the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among commercial drivers in Ibadan metropolis, South-western Nigeria. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 305 commercial drivers selected using multistage sampling technique from motor parks across Ibadan metropolis. The WHO stepwise interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection on respondents' sociodemographic characteristics, work-related characteristics, knowledge about hypertension and diabetes, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use. Blood pressure, anthropometry, and blood sugar level measurements were carried out. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure of ≥140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure of ≥90 mmHg and diabetes was defined as ≥126 mg/dl fasting blood sugar. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test. and logistic regression at α = 5%. Results: Mean age of respondents was 45.3 ± 10.5 years. About 47.5% and 37.8% demonstrated good knowledge about hypertension and diabetes, respectively. About 49% reported to have ever smoked, 78.0% had consumed alcohol, 45.5% ever had traffic accident, and 44.6% reported physical inactivity. The prevalence of hypertension was 27.7% and diabetes was 3.4% while 42.9% had comorbidity. Hypertension was found among 26.2% of those who had ever smoked and 47.2% of those obese (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2). Age ≥41 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.99–5.88) and abdominal obesity (aOR = 2.41, 95% CI = 0.99–5.83) were predictors of hypertension, and frequent fruit consumption was predictor of diabetes (aOR = 2.71, 95% CI = 0.23–32) although not significant. Conclusions: High prevalence of hypertension and relatively low prevalence of diabetes among commercial drivers in Ibadan metropolis call for health awareness campaign and free health screening in motor parks for early detection and prevention of the diseases.