Abstract
BackgroundBus and truck drivers are apparently more involved in metabolic syndrome and its complications due to their working conditions. The related impacts are not only harmful for driver's health, but also may endanger others. The present research was carried out to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among bus and truck drivers in Kashan, a city in Iran.MaterialsIn 2007, 429 bus and truck male drivers were enrolled to this cross sectional study to examine the metabolic syndrome using ATPIII criteria. Statistical tests including Chi-Square test, T-student test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data.ResultsPrevalence of metabolic syndrome in subjects was 35.9%. Hypertension and diabetes were seen in 42.9% and 7% of the drivers respectively. Body mass index (BMI) in 41% of the drivers within the range of 25-30 was considered overweight and 23% of them were found to be obese. High triglyceride (53.4%) and low HDL-C levels (48.7%) were more common than other components of metabolic syndrome. A significant positive correlation was seen between BMI, diabetes, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome (p < 0.001); but there was no positive correlation between metabolic syndrome and smoking (p < 0.06).ConclusionHigh prevalence of metabolic syndrome and other relevant risk factors for coronary heart diseases (CHD) were detected among the drivers. Based on these findings, it is recommended to consider training programs, establish pertinent health regulations, and focus on the metabolic syndrome complications in high risk group to improve and maintain their quality of life and to promote their public health.
Highlights
Metabolic syndrome or X syndrome is associated with any combination of metabolic/non-metabolic disturbances including increased level of fasting blood sugar, and triglyceride, elevated blood pressure, low HDL level, and abdominal obesity
A significant positive correlation was seen between Body mass index (BMI), diabetes, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome (p < 0.001); but there was no positive correlation between metabolic syndrome and smoking (p < 0.06)
The syndrome is more prevalent in women (42%). These findings imply that male drivers are more predispose to suffer from metabolic syndrome which may be related to inappropriate dietary habits and poor physical activity
Summary
Metabolic syndrome or X syndrome is associated with any combination of metabolic/non-metabolic disturbances including increased level of fasting blood sugar, and triglyceride, elevated blood pressure, low HDL level, and abdominal obesity. Individuals meeting at least three of the above mentioned abnormalities are labeled as having the disease [1,2] These patients are at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, stroke, osteoarthritis, some kinds of cancers, and their subsequent morbidity and mortality. Occupational stresses, physical inactivity, prolonged working hours, and inappropriate dietary habits have all been reported as the contributors to health risk factors in drivers [14,15]. Based on these facts this study was conducted to investigate the metabolic syndrome status among the bus and truck male drivers in Kashan located in central part of Iran. Statistical tests including Chi-Square test, T-student test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data
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