To describe the cardiovascular health status and propose a classification that facilitates future targeted interventions for this population.
Cross-sectional study design. The occupational health exams of bus drivers from the Buses Hualpén company in mining contracts in Chile are analyzed. Health variables are identified and classified as normal or altered. Body Mass Index (BMI) is used as a reference parameter for internal risk classification of the drivers. The classification is divided as follows: Low risk: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9; Moderate risk: BMI between 25 and 29.9; High risk: BMI between 30 and 34.9; and Very high risk: BMI over 35. Health parameters are presented as mean, standard deviation, and minimum and maximum values.
A total of 440 drivers were analyzed. 99.5% were men. 76.8% of the drivers were between 41 and 60 years old, with an average age of 48.8 years (SD: 8.04, Min: 28, Max: 69). 84.7% were overweight or obese, with an average BMI of 28.8 (SD: 4.07, Min: 19.21, Max: 39.67). 37.9% had normal blood pressure, with an average systolic blood pressure of 123.7 mmHg (SD: 10.68, Min: 91, Max: 161) and an average diastolic blood pressure of 75.1 mmHg (SD: 8.53, Min: 51, Max: 95). 27.1% had altered total cholesterol levels, with an average total cholesterol of 179.82 mg/dL (SD: 58.75, Min: 84, Max: 363), an average HDL cholesterol of 41.64 mg/dL (SD: 13.42, Min: 21, Max: 77), an average LDL cholesterol of 106.63 mg/dL (SD: 44.5, Min: 11, Max: 244), and an average VLDL cholesterol of 30.52 mg/dL (SD: 18.24, Min: 8, Max: 120). 41.7% had altered triglyceride levels, with an average of 156.51 mg/dL (SD: 91.87, Min: 24, Max: 898). 12.1% presented an altered electrocardiogram. According to the proposed risk classification, 11.8% had low risk, 53% moderate risk, 31.8% high risk, and 3.4% very high risk.
Risk factors associated with chronic diseases and a high number of drivers with overweight and obesity were observed. The results provide insight into the cardiovascular health profile of bus drivers in the mining sector. Occupational health exams are a reliable source of information for determining the cardiovascular health profile of drivers and for measuring changes in the future.
Future steps should involve implementing a health promotion program and considering the cardiovascular health profile for targeted interventions. Preventive measures should be comprehensive and consider increasing physical activity levels and strategies to reduce sedentary behavior. Such a program could also reduce the frequency of health-related workplace accidents. Establishing an occupational health department within the company could enhance the success of the proposed interventions
Occupational Health
Motor Vehicles
