Work-Related Stress and Substance Use as Risk Factors for Chronic Disease Among Three-Wheel Drivers in Galle, Sri Lanka: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Motor three-wheel drivers provide an important means of transportation in Sri Lanka, comprising 15% of motorized road vehicles. Although three-wheel driving is a widespread occupation for Sri Lankan men, little is known about their general health or risk factors.Objectives: This paper investigates chronic illnesses and risk factors for such illnesses in a sample of 33 three-wheel drivers in Galle, Sri Lanka.Methods: A qualitative investigation was conducted between June and August 2012. 20 three-wheel drivers participated in 60-minute semi-structured interviews, and 13 participated in semi- structured focus groups related to their work-related health concerns.Results: Illness reported included musculoskeletal pain, hypercholesteremia, hypertension, and diabetes. Participants identified work-related stress and substance abuse as risk factors.Conclusions: Participants described a cycle of work related stress, substance use, and chronic illness. Community-based education on the risks of substance use and alternative means of coping may be an effective intervention for these workers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i2.7662

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Low Back Pain among Auto-Rickshaw Drivers in Urban Kolkata, India

“…The mean age of the respondents is 40 years, range between 27 to 56 years. This age group is similar to that noted in previous studies on car drivers (mean age = 43 years) and auto-rickshaw drivers (mean age 46 years) (Kirkorowicz et al, 2013). Older age has been associated as a risk factor for LBP in car drivers (Nahar et al, 2012).Whilst previous studies on auto-rickshaw drivers explored age as a risk factor, they did not find any significant association (Shaikh et al, 2014).…”

“…The mean height of the surveyed driver is 164 centimeters, weight 68 kilograms, and BMI is 25.Anthropometrics have not been studied in previous surveys on auto-rickshaw drivers (Shaik et al, 2014;Kirkorowicz et al, 2013). A previous study on bus drivers of Kolkata, (Gangopadhyay and Dev, 2012) revealed that the average height of bus drivers was 162 cm, weight 53 kg and BMI 20.…”

“…Only a small number (1.2%) reached graduation qualification. The one previous study (Kirkorowicz et al, 2013) conducted in Galle which recorded the education levels of their participants has a similar distribution. However, comparisons are difficult as their sample size is extremely small.…”

“…Out of the two previous studies on auto-rickshaw drivers, one was conducted in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India (Shaik et al, 2014)) and the other in Galle, Sri Lanka (Kirkorowicz et al, 2013). Both studies conclude the driver"s seat vibration as a risk factor for LBP.…”

“…Both studies conclude the driver"s seat vibration as a risk factor for LBP. Further, the study by (Kirkorowicz et al, 2013), attributed musculoskeletal pain in lower back, shoulders and knees to staying in the same posture for many hours. Long duration cramped sitting work postures in autorickshaw drivers may cause a significant static loading on the structures of the spine (Odebiyi et al, 2007).…”