Risk factors of sleep-disordered breathing among Public Transport Drivers of Kochi, India

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v13i1.43759

Keywords:

Obstructive sleep apnea, sleep disordered breathing, public transport drivers

Abstract

Introduction: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) appears to be a major occupational health concern among transport drivers as it increases the chance of road traffic crashes.  The study aimed to determine the prevalent risk factors of sleep-disordered breathing in public transport drivers of Kochi, India.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed among 50 public transport drivers who satisfied the inclusion criteria and were categorized as high and low-risk groups using the STOP-BANG questionnaire. Physical examination recorded Neck circumference, waist-hip ratio, body mass index, blood pressure, and facial profile. Excessive daytime sleepiness was evaluated using the Epworth sleepiness scale. Mann Whitney and Chi-square tests were used to test for significance. Logistic regression was also done by including the significant variables.

Results: The high risk (n= 27) and low-risk groups (n=23) were identified. Among the high-risk group; age, body mass index, neck circumference, blood pressure, snoring and tiredness showed statistically significant results (p<0.05) when compared to the low-risk group. Excessive daytime sleepiness was present among 29.6% of high-risk subjects. Logistic regression confirmed that age (OR=1.176; p=0.001) and body mass index (OR=1.348; p=0.050) were independent predictors of developing a high risk of SDB.

Conclusion: mong public transport drivers in Kochi, India; older age and increased body mass index were significant contributing factors to developing sleep-disordered breathing. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), whether diagnosed or undiagnosed, is a major public health concern and a proven risk factor for vehicle crashes. Applicants for public transport driver's licenses should be thoroughly examined for the risk of OSA/SDB. A standardized screening protocol for OSA risk assessment should be advisable for public transport drivers to ensure road safety.

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Author Biographies

Vishnu Shadananan, Amrita School of Dentistry, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, 682041, India

PG Resident, Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Amrita School of Dentistry, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, 682041, India.

E-mail: vishnus132@gmail.com

Varma N.K. Sapna, Amrita School of Dentistry, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, 682041, India

Professor & HOD, Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Amrita School of Dentistry, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, 682041, India.

E-mail: sapnavarmank@gmail.com

Rahul D. Prabha, Amrita School of Dentistry, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, 682041, India

Reader, Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Amrita School of Dentistry, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, 682041, India.

E-mail:  rahuldp6@gmail.com

V.V. Ajith, Amrita School of Dentistry, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, 682041, India

Professor, Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Amrita School of Dentistry, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, 682041, India

E-mail:  ajithvv72@gmail.com

Parvathy Ghosh, Amrita School of Dentistry, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, 682041, India

Assistant Professor, Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Amrita School of Dentistry, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, 682041, India

E-mail: parvathyghosh08@gmail.com

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Published

2023-01-01

How to Cite

Shadananan, V., Sapna, V. N., Prabha, R. D., Ajith, V., & Ghosh, P. (2023). Risk factors of sleep-disordered breathing among Public Transport Drivers of Kochi, India. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 13(1), 55–62. https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v13i1.43759

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