Transport sector and cardiovascular disease risk estimation: cross-sectional analysis based on WHO/ISH chart.

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) has emerged as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Compared to occupational social class, very few studies have focused on work economic sectors. Bus drivers work conditions favour the development of a set of cardiovascular risk factors. Objectives: 1. To assess the cardiovascular disease risk among Cuddalore road transport corporation workers. 2. To find the factors associated with higher cardiovascular disease risk among the same population. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was done among all the workers of Cuddalore Road Transport Corporation (CRTC) from the month of March to May 2017. About 164 workers were interviewed using a pre-designed questionnaire. The total CVD risk of the workers was calculated using WHO/ISH (World Health Organization/International Society of hypertension) risk prediction charts. Ordinal regression analysis was done using STATA to study the factors associated with higher cardiovascular risk among the workers. Results: Among the workers, 29.9% were smokers, 42.7% were alcoholics, 23.2% and 28.9% were known diabetics and hypertensives respectively and 34.8% had family history of cardiovascular disease. As per WHO/ISH risk prediction chart, 21% of the workers had higher cardiovascular risk.On adjusted regression analysis, smoking and alcohol consumption, presence of diabetes and hypertension, family history of CVDs, reduced fruit and vegetable consumption, inadequate physical activity and higher body mass index were significantly associated to higher risk of CVD’s among the workers. Work related factors like driving occupation and more than 10 years work experience contributed to higher cardiovascular risk. Conclusion: More than one-fifth of CRTC workers had high cardiovascular risk. Driving work conditions significantly contributed to higher CVD risk. Work place preventive and educational actions directed at changes in lifestyle regarding diet and physical activity could be beneficial to this occupation.