A Study on the Health and Nutritional Status of Bus Drivers in the Masan Area

Yoon, Hyun Sook; Kim, Gi Ryun

Abstract

This study was carried out on 178 bus drivers in the Masan area to investigate their health and nutritional status. THe nutritional status of the subjects was surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire, and blood analyses were conducted through annual health examinations in June, 1999. The results were as follows: About 51% were classified as normal, 33% as health-concerned, and 17% as disease-suspected. The levels of total serum cholesterol were significantly higher in the over 20 year group (194.64 +/- 41.42 mg/dl) than in the under 10 year group (175.00 +/- 31.33 mg/dl) with respect to the length of their driving careers. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly higher in the 51 to 60 age group than in the other groups (p < 0.05). The total serum cholesterol increased with increasing age (p < 0.001), and SBP increased with increasing Body Mass Index (BMI)(p < 0.001). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol (p < 0.01), hemoglobin (p < 0.05)and glutamate-pyruvate-aminotransferase (GPT)(p < 0.05) were significantly higher in the BMI of over 20, than in the BMI under 20. The GPT was significantly higher in the BMI over 25 than in the BMI under 25. In The mean daily energy intake was 1912.7 kcal (76.5% of the RDA) and the protein intake was 74.3 g (106.2% of the RDA). Compared with the recommended allowance, the energy, calcium, thiamin, and riboflavin intakes were below, and the Fe, vitamin A, vitamin C intakes were above the Korean RDA. The average carbohydrate, protein, fat ratio of energy intake was 66 : 15 : 19, respectively. The length of their driving careers had a positive correlation with their ages and total serum cholesterol levels, and their ages had a positive correlation with their blood pressures, total serum cholesterol and hemoglobin levels and BMI. Their BMI had a positive correlation with their ages, blood pressures, total serum cholesterol, hemoglobin, GPT and GOT levels. The results of this study indicate that bus drivers needed regular exercise, and control of their body weights to prevent chronic diseases, and that their health status should be monitored as the length of their driving careers and ages increase.