Risk factors of sleep-disordered breathing among Public Transport Drivers of Kochi, India

Introduction: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) appears to be a major occupational health concern among transport drivers as it increases the chance of road traffic crashes.  The study aimed to determine the prevalent risk factors of sleep-disordered breathing in public transport drivers of Kochi, India. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed among 50 public transport drivers who satisfied the inclusion criteria and were categorized as high and low-risk groups using the STOP-BANG questionnaire. Physical examination recorded Neck circumference, waist-hip ratio, body mass index, blood pressure, and facial profile. Excessive daytime sleepiness was evaluated using the Epworth sleepiness scale. Mann Whitney and Chi-square tests were used to test for significance. Logistic regression was also done by including the significant variables. Results: The high risk (n= 27) and low-risk groups (n=23) were identified. Among the high-risk group; age, body mass index, neck circumference, blood pressure, snoring and tiredness showed statistically significant results (p<0.05) when compared to the low-risk group. Excessive daytime sleepiness was present among 29.6% of high-risk subjects. Logistic regression confirmed that age (OR=1.176; p=0.001) and body mass index (OR=1.348; p=0.050) were independent predictors of developing a high risk of SDB. Conclusion: mong public transport drivers in Kochi, India; older age and increased body mass index were significant contributing factors to developing sleep-disordered breathing. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), whether diagnosed or undiagnosed, is a major public health concern and a proven risk factor for vehicle crashes. Applicants for public transport driver's licenses should be thoroughly examined for the risk of OSA/SDB. A standardized screening protocol for OSA risk assessment should be advisable for public transport drivers to ensure road safety

Proceedings of International Web Conference in Civil Engineering for a Sustainable Planet

This proceeding contains articles of the various research ideas of the academic community and practitioners accepted at the "International Web Conference in Civil Engineering for a Sustainable Planet (ICCESP 2021)". ICCESP 2021 is being Organized by the Habilete Learning Solutions, Kollam in Collaboration with American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), TKM College of Engineering, Kollam, and Baselios Mathews II College of Engineering, Kollam, Kerala, India. Conference Title: International Web Conference in Civil Engineering for a Sustainable PlanetConference Acronym: ICCESP 2021Conference Date: 05–06 March 2021Conference Location: Online (Virtual Mode)Conference Organizer: Habilete Learning Solutions, Kollam, Kerala, IndiaCollaborators: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), TKM College of Engineering, Kollam, and Baselios Mathews II College of Engineering, Kollam, Kerala, India