Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Professional Drivers

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is known as an important predictor of cardiovascular mortality, which has recently increasing among professional drivers. Objectives: The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of MetS and some related components among taxi and bus drivers in Zahedan, because they have the working conditions and unusual lifestyles that can increases the risk of Mets. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 500 male taxi and bus drivers were randomly selected. Waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, lipid profile and fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels were measured. The MetS was defined using criteria of Iranian National Committee of Obesity (INCO). Results: The prevalence of MetS among taxi and bus drivers was 20% and 29.5%, respectively. The most frequent components contributing to MetS in taxi drivers were high triglyceride (81.4%), low HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol) (81.4%) and central obesity (64.4%); while in the bus drivers were central obesity (75%), high fasting blood glucose (73.3%) and high triglyceride (76.7%). By increasing age, driving duration and decreasing physical activity, odds ratio of MetS was increased. Conclusions: The findings show that drivers are in high risk population groups for MetS and its complications. Thus, the substantial changes in lifestyle and educational programs implementation for promotion of their public health may be able to reduce the MetS risk and disease consequences.