ABSTRACT
Background: Hypertension is one of the diseases of occupational origin. The percentage of hypertensive increases when selected occupational groups are screened. Transport personnel are one such group who are at risk of developing hypertension due to the nature of their profession. Objective: To study the prevalence of hypertension and socio demographic risk factors for hypertension among bus drivers and conductors of NEKRTC, Raichur division. Methods: A cross sectional study comprising of 360 bus drivers and 338 bus conductors was undertak-en in two NEKRTC depots of Raichur division, Raichur. Data was collected by interviewing study subjects and by physical examination and analyzed using percentages and Chi square test. Results: Prevalence of hypertension among bus drivers and conductors was found to be 25.3% and 19.8% respectively. Socio demographic factors like age, marital status, type of family, socioeconomic sta-tus was significantly associated with hypertension in bus drivers while in conductors only age and mari-tal status were significantly associated with hypertension. Conclusion and recommendations: Prevalence of hypertension is higher in bus drivers and conduc-tors, thus periodic screening and monitoring of blood pressure in these transport personnel along with provision of preventive and curative services to them at the earliest will be an effective strategy.
ABSTRACT
Background: Hypertension being a disease of occupational origin, its prevalence is found to be high among those who work in a few selected occupational groups. Road transport professionals are one such group and due to their work needs, they tend to adapt to the lifestyle which makes them more vulnerable to developing such diseases in long run. Objective: To identify behavioural and psychosocial risk factors for hypertension among bus drivers and conductors of NEKRTC, Raichur division. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was carried out in two NEKRTC depots of Raichur division, Raichur. A total of 360 bus drivers and 338 conductors were interviewed. Data collection was done by interviewing bus drivers and conductors and by physical examination and analyzed using percentages and chi square test. Results: The risk factors found to be significantly associated with hypertension in bus drivers and conductors were tobacco smoking, use of smokeless tobacco, alcohol consumption, duration of service, Body Mass Index and Waist Hip Ratio. Conclusion and recommendations: Considering the association of hypertension with various risk factors in bus drivers and conductors, preventive measures like lifestyle modifications and regular high-risk screening program for early diagnosis needs to be promoted in them.