Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally. The occupational
challenges of bus drivers may increase their risk of CVD, including developing obesity, hypertension,
and diabetes. We evaluated the medical records of 266 bus drivers visiting an occupational medical
practice between 2007 and 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa, to determine the health status of bus
drivers and investigate risk factors for CVD, and their impact on the ability to work. The participants
were in majority male (99.3%) with a median age of 41.2 years (IQR 35.2); 23.7% were smokers, and
27.1% consumed alcohol. The median body mass index (BMI) was 26.8 m/kg2 (IQR 7.1), with 63.1%
of participants having above normal BMI. Smoking, BMI, and hypertension findings were in line
with national South African data, but diabetes prevalence was far lower. Undiagnosed hypertension
was found in 9.4% of participants, uncontrolled hypertension in 5.6%, and diabetes in 3.0%. Analysis
by BMI category found that obesity was significantly associated with increased odds of hypertension.
Uncontrolled hypertension was the main reason for being deemed ‘unfit to work’ (35.3%). Our
research highlights the need for more regular screening for hypertension and interventions to address
high BMI.
