International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Index Copernicus Value (2016): 79.57 | Impact Factor (2015): 6.391 Volume 7 Issue 3, March 2018 www.ijsr.net Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY Study of Medical Morbidities among Bus Drivers of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation Division Snehal Chavhan 1 , Sanjay Kubde 2 , Preeti Namdeo Pawar 3 1 M.D. Community Medicine I.G.G.M.C. Nagpur 2 Prof. & Head, Dept. of Community Medicine Govt. Medical College, Chandrapur 3 M.B.B.S., R.G.M.C. Thane, Mumbai Abstract: Research question : what are the medical morbidities among bus drivers of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation division. Study setting : Four bus depots of the M.S.R.T.C. division of Nagpur. Study design : Cross- sectional study Duration- July2015 up to December 2015. Methods : The interview technique was used as a tool for data collection. History taking & Detailed clinical examination included weight and height, measurement blood pressure (BP), random blood sugar level recording by using standard procedures and standardized instruments. Result : Total 400 bus drivers were studied. All were male. 248(62%) bus drivers were having musculoskeletal discomfort. Only 24 (6%) had elevated random blood sugar. Majority 205 (51.25%) study subjects were having hypertension. 103(25.75%) were pre-hypertensive. Prevalence of obesity was 27.25% (109 while 180 (45%) were having BMI within pre-obese category .Driving duration >20 years was significantly associated with musculoskeletal disorders (p<0.0001), hypertension (p<0.0001) and gastrointestinal disorders (p -0.0200). Driving distance of >300 km was significantly associated with musculoskeletal disorders (p-0.0106). Conclusion : Most common morbidity was musculoskeletal disorders, hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders, obesity and diabetes mellitus. Musculoskeletal discomfort was significantly related with duration of driving, daily driving distance (km).Hypertension was significantly related with d u r a t i o n of driving. Gastrointestinal disorders were significantly related with duration of driving. Keywords: Bus drivers, Morbidity, Musculoskeletal disorder 1. Introduction Every occupation carries its own risk and same is the case the bus driving. Driving frequently involves known risk factors such as ergonomic factors, whole body vibrations, prolonged sitting, twisting, bending and sometimes heavy weight lifting. (1) The other risk factors include: a lack of decision making, social isolation, busy driving schedules, vehicle mechanical faults, reduced rest duration, poor cabin comfort, continually rotating shift patterns, adverse weather conditions, traffic congestion, sedentary nature of the job, noxious air from other vehicles, pressure of ensuring safety of passengers and demanding passengers. ( In terms of research interest, occupational health of bus drivers came in limelight by the seminal work published by Morris and colleagues in 1953 (2) Which established the potentially noxious nature of professional bus driving, a fact which remains valid even today. Very few studies in India have been conducted on health profile of bus drivers and their related workplace factors. With this background, a study was taken up on health profile of bus drivers of M.S.R.T.C and to study workplace stress among them. 2. Literature Survey Ragaland DR et al (1997) (1) carried out cross sectional study among transit vehicle operators in San Francisco to estimate the prevalence of hypertension. 2052 individuals were included in study. 1826 were actively working at time of examination. Participants were grouped according to years of driving in pre-employment, <10 yrs of driving, 10-20 yrs of driving, >20 yrs of driving. 65 (28.8%) of 226, 352 (31%) of 1137,156 (31.7%) of 493, 76 (38.9%) of 196 participants in above groups respectively were found to be hypertensive. Morris JN et al (1966) (2) carried out prospective study in 687 busmen in London Transport Company to estimate the incidence of ischemic heart disease. Initial screening examination was carried out in 1960. The Ischemic heart disease was found among 20 (2.91%) busmen. Backman A (1983) (3) carried out a cross sectional study among a total of 633 male drivers from 35 enterprises in six different municipalities in Finland to investigate the health hazards of professional drivers. The participants included 165 local bus drivers, 122 long- distance bus drivers, 154 stock delivery drivers, 1 5 9 truck drivers, and 33 tank truck drivers. It was found that 443 (70%) drivers had suffered from pain in shoulder, back and neck, 127 (20%) drivers were found having hypertension, 272 (43%) drivers were having visual defects. 50 (8%) were suffering from gastric ulcer, 82 (13%) drivers were having a hearing defect, 272 (43%) drivers were having visual defects. Ragaland DR et al (1987) (4) carried out cross sectional study among 1500 bus drivers working in San Francisco to estimate the prevalence of hypertension. Study was carried out from August 1978 to December 1982. Blood pressure was taken on 3 different occasions and lowest level was recorded. It was found that 681 (45.4%) bus drivers were having hypertension. Netterstrom B, Juel K (1989) (5) carried out cross Paper ID: ART201871 DOI: 10.21275/ART201871 403