Obstructive sleep apnoea among professional taxi drivers: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Sleep Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a prevalent condition with significant health and safety implications.
• Professional drivers, such as taxi drivers, may be at increased risk due to occupational factors.
• Understanding the distribution of OSAS risk factors and symptoms within this population is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of risk factors for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) among taxi drivers.
• To examine ethnic variations in OSAS symptoms and risk factors within the taxi driver demographic.
• To assess the implications of OSAS on the health and safety of professional drivers and their passengers.

Main Methods:

• A postal questionnaire survey was administered to 241 professional taxi drivers in Wellington, New Zealand.
• OSAS was defined using a Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI) of 15 or more per hour of sleep, combined with self-reported daytime sleepiness.
• Data analysis focused on identifying risk factors and comparing OSAS prevalence across different ethnic groups.

Main Results:

• Pacific and Māori taxi drivers exhibited a higher likelihood of OSAS symptoms and risk factors compared to non-Māori, non-Pacific drivers.
• Pacific drivers demonstrated a significantly elevated pre-test probability for moderate-to-severe OSAS (RDI ≥ 15).
• The findings highlight ethnic disparities in OSAS risk within the professional taxi driver population.

Conclusions:

• Professional taxi drivers, particularly those of Pacific and Māori ethnicity, are at an increased risk for moderate-to-severe OSAS.
• Undiagnosed OSAS poses a significant risk for motor vehicle accidents, endangering drivers and passengers.
• Further research is warranted to inform policies regarding medical fitness assessments for professional driver licensing.