Discrimination and Health Among Taxi Drivers in New York and Toronto

Abstract

Immigrant taxi drivers in metropolitan cities are exposed to experiences of discrimination and occupation-based health risks. Given the structural differences in health care systems in the United States and Canada, we investigated the differences in reports of discrimination, health conditions and concern about health conditions between taxi drivers in New York City and Toronto, Ontario. Participants were recruited for a taxi driver Needs Assessment Survey as part of a Taxi Network needs assessment project using a street side convenience sampling technique in New York City and Toronto. The matched sample contained 33 drivers from Toronto and 33 drivers from NYC. All Toronto drivers in our sample reported having health insurance while over a quarter of NYC drivers did not have health insurance. Toronto drivers reported greater everyday and workplace discrimination. Drivers in both cities experienced higher rates than average, and reported concern about, major health conditions. We also found preliminary evidence suggesting a relationship between experiencing discrimination and reporting chronic pain. Our findings suggest the need for future research to more closely examine the associations between discrimination and health among the taxi driver population.

The Pain at Work Toolkit for Employees with Chronic or Persistent Pain: A Collaborative-Participatory Study

“…This not only has serious implications for work ability in people with chronic or persistent pain, but it exacerbates inequality in the workplace, and poses risks to career progression, as well as the physical and mental wellbeing of employees. A relationship between workplace discrimination and chronic pain has been identified previously [ 82 , 83 ]. In healthcare, the Institute of Medicine called for ‘a cultural transformation in the way in which pain is perceived, judged and treated’ [ 84 ] and this ethos should be transferable to the workplace setting; similarly, others advocate that stigmatisation of chronic pain, and its consequences, can only be addressed at a policy and practice (rather than individual cognitive) level [ 85 ].…”

Predictors of Health Insurance, Life Insurance, and Retirement Savings Among NYC’s Immigrant Taxi and For-Hire Vehicle Drivers

“…Prior research has indicated that taxi and FHV drivers are subject to a confluence of occupational factors that can negatively impact their interrelated financial, mental, and physical health. Drivers have reported that stress, discrimination, long hours, and low pay contribute to their poor health outcomes [ 1 , 4 , 16 ]. In metropolitan cities across the world, researchers have documented a range of health and wellness issues in taxi drivers, including fatigue [ 17 ], compromised immune function [ 18 ], chronic pain [ 19 ], diabetes [ 17 ], and increased cardiovascular disease and cancer risk [ 3 , 20 – 22 ].…”

Social Networks Are Associated with Healthcare Utilization Among Taxi and For-Hire Vehicle Drivers: a Latent Class Analysis

“…1 Because of their sedentary occupation, poor diet, pollution exposure, discrimination, stressors, and ethnic backgrounds, drivers are at an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. 3 Most NYC drivers are independent contractors without workplace-sponsored health insurance. 1,3 Hence, many are uninsured (34% in a recent study) and lack a primary care provider (PCP).…”

“…3 Most NYC drivers are independent contractors without workplace-sponsored health insurance. 1,3 Hence, many are uninsured (34% in a recent study) and lack a primary care provider (PCP). 3 According to Andersen's widely acknowledged behavioral model of health services use, social context predisposes individuals to use services or not.…”

“…1,3 Hence, many are uninsured (34% in a recent study) and lack a primary care provider (PCP). 3 According to Andersen's widely acknowledged behavioral model of health services use, social context predisposes individuals to use services or not. 4 In low socioeconomic status and immigrant populations, social networks are important conduits for health information.…”