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Work stress related physiological responses in professional bus drivers
1University of the Punjab Department of Zoology Lahore 54590 Pakistan. nabilaruhi@gmail.com
Acta Physiologica Hungarica
|December 9, 2010
Summary
Professional bus drivers experience elevated physiological stress, including higher cortisol and altered cardiovascular markers, compared to controls during workdays. These work stress indicators normalize on rest days, suggesting the need for relaxation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Work-related stress significantly impacts physiological health.
- Professional drivers face unique occupational stressors.
- Understanding physiological responses in drivers is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate work stress-related physiological responses in male bus drivers.
- To compare drivers with age and sex-matched controls.
- To assess cardiovascular risks associated with driving.
Main Methods:
- Compared hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis responses (morning cortisol).
- Assessed cardiovascular changes: blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and body mass index (BMI).
- Evaluated 78 long-distance, 71 short-distance drivers, and 80 controls on work and rest days.
Main Results:
- On workdays, drivers showed elevated cortisol, higher BMI (especially long-distance), and increased BP and HR compared to controls.
- Short-distance drivers had more pronounced cortisol elevation and BP increase.
- Long-distance drivers showed greater HR elevation and increased diastolic BP.
- No significant physiological differences were observed on rest days.
Conclusions:
- Bus drivers exhibit significant HPA axis and cardiovascular alterations during work compared to rest and controls.
- Occupational stress in drivers impacts physiological health.
- Recommendations include longer rest periods and physical activity for stress mitigation.
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