Prevalence of obesity and hypertension in a population of professional interstate bus drivers

Abstract

Introduction: Commercial drivers have sedentary behavior and improper diet, contributing to an epidemic of excess weight and obesity. Objectives: To identify the prevalence of obesity and hypertension in a population of interstate bus drivers. Methods: Data were collected from medical records of 602 drivers regarding age, weight, height, body mass index, waist and neck circumference, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure. Results: All subjects were male and had a mean age of 41.5±6.9 years. Out of the total, 343 (57.0%) were overweight, and 113 (18.8%) drivers were considered obese. In regard to SBP, 416 (70.9%) were pre-hypertensive, and 39 (6.4%) hypertensive. As for the DBP, 310 (52.8%) were hypertensive, and 182 (31.0%) drivers were considered hypertensive. Conclusions: A high prevalence of overweight/obesity and hypertension was observed in this population, constituting a problem of great social relevance, especially in the occupational area of passenger transport.