Hearing Impairment And Hypertension Among Long Distance Bus Drivers | ||
| Journal of High Institute of Public Health | ||
| Article 7, Volume 33, Issue 2, April 2003, Pages 309-316 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/jhiph.2003.196439 | ||
| Author | ||
| Ismail Abdelmoneim | ||
| Associate professor of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, KSA | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of the possible hearing affection and hypertension in long distance bus drivers compared to the city bus drivers in Abha city. Methods: This was a cross sectional study involving 62 long distance bus drivers and 46 in city bus drivers. A specially designed questionnaire was administered to the drivers addressing some of their socioeconomic backgrounds. A pure tone air conduction audiometry and blood pressure measurements were performed. The study took place from October 2001 to March 2002. Results: Long distance bus drivers' workload is significantly higher than that of in city drivers [total weekly hours 64.0+14.3 compared to 46.7+5.5]. Hearing impairment was significantly more in long distance drivers in the frequencies of 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz especially in the left ear even after age corrections. The prevalence of hypertension and mild hearing loss were also higher in long distance drivers [19.4% vs 4.5% and 38.7% vs 13% respectively]. Conclusion and recommendations: This study showed more hearing affection and more prevalence of hypertension among long distance bus drivers than their counterparts operating in city. Their hearing abilities should be tested before starting the job and regularly afterwards. The stresses and strains of the job should be further studied and ameliorated and regular health check up including blood pressure monitoring are to be instituted. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Hearing Impairment; Hypertension; Bus Drivers | ||
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