Assessment of respiratory morbidity among bus drivers and conductors of the state road transport corporation, Kochi, Kerala

INTRODUCTION: In 2012, 8% of the 2.3 million work-related deaths globally were from chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs). This study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of respiratory morbidity among the drivers and conductors of the public road transport network in Kochi. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the public bus stand (South), Kochi between September 2015 and 2017 among bus drivers and conductors. The interview was conducted among 300 bus drivers and conductors using a locally adapted version of ATS-DLD-78-A questionnaire. Lung function assessment was done using a Mini Wright peak flow meter and a portable spirometer. Data were tabulated using MS Excel and analyzed using SPSS v20. RESULTS: The prevalence of CRD among bus drivers and conductors was found to be 9.97% (95% CI 7.34–14.66) and chronic respiratory symptoms were found to be 19.2% (95% CI 14.58–23.82). On logistic regression, the independent predictors for the CRD were found to be working for more than 15 h/day (OR 2.815, 95% CI 1.26–6.28) and working for more than 4 days/week (OR 2.462, 95% CI 1.12–5.39). CONCLUSION: CRD exists as a public health problem affecting approximately one in ten bus drivers and conductors in Kochi city. Applying the logical principles of ergonomics by modifying duty hours may be considered.