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A Retrospective Medical Record Review to Describe Health Status and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors of Bus
Susan C Aitken1,2, Samanta T Lalla-Edward3, Maren Kummerow4
1Genesis Analytics, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa.
Insights
Bus drivers face significant cardiovascular disease risks, with obesity and hypertension impacting work fitness. Regular screenings and interventions for high BMI are crucial for this occupational group.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global cause of mortality.
- Occupational factors for bus drivers may elevate risks for obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
- South African bus drivers' health status and CVD risk factors require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the health status of bus drivers in Johannesburg.
- To investigate cardiovascular disease risk factors and their impact on work capacity.
- To identify specific health challenges within the bus driver occupation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records from 266 bus drivers (2007-2017).
- Data collection on demographics, lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol), Body Mass Index (BMI), hypertension, and diabetes.
- Statistical analysis to identify associations between risk factors and health outcomes.
Main Results:
- Majority of participants were male (99.3%) with a median age of 41.2 years.
- High prevalence of elevated BMI (63.1%), smoking (23.7%), and alcohol consumption (27.1%).
- Obesity significantly correlated with increased odds of hypertension; uncontrolled hypertension was the primary reason for being unfit for work (35.3%).
Conclusions:
- Bus driver health is significantly impacted by obesity and hypertension, affecting work fitness.
- There is a need for enhanced screening for hypertension and targeted interventions for high BMI.
- Occupational health programs should address CVD risk factors prevalent in bus drivers.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally. The occupational challenges of bus drivers may increase their risk of CVD, including developing obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. We evaluated the medical records of 266 bus drivers visiting an occupational medical practice between 2007 and 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa, to determine the health status of bus drivers and investigate risk factors for CVD, and their impact on the ability to work. The participants were in majority male (99.3%) with a median age of 41.2 years (IQR 35.2); 23.7% were smokers, and 27.1% consumed alcohol. The median body mass index (BMI) was 26.8 m/kg2 (IQR 7.1), with 63.1% of participants having above normal BMI. Smoking, BMI, and hypertension findings were in line with national South African data, but diabetes prevalence was far lower. Undiagnosed hypertension was found in 9.4% of participants, uncontrolled hypertension in 5.6%, and diabetes in 3.0%. Analysis by BMI category found that obesity was significantly associated with increased odds of hypertension. Uncontrolled hypertension was the main reason for being deemed 'unfit to work' (35.3%). Our research highlights the need for more regular screening for hypertension and interventions to address high BMI.
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