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Occupational health and metabolic risk factors: A pilot intervention for transport workers

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Naug H. L., Colson N. J., Kundur A., Santha Kumar A., Tucakovic L., Roberts M., Singh I.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

2016

vol. 29

issue 4

573-584

Objectives Heavy vehicle transport workers have a high risk of obesity and obesity-related disorders including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Sedentary nature of their work makes a healthy work and lifestyle balance difficult to achieve. Educational interventions that promote behavioral changes have been shown to be effective in various group settings. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of metabolic risk factors among a population of urban bus drivers; to deliver a 3-month educational intervention specifically tailored for the workplace environment of transport workers; and to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention through quantitative measurements and qualitative feedback. Material and Methods Thirty-three bus drivers from depots in south Queensland were recruited for the study. Baseline metabolic data were collected through anthropometric measurements, blood collection and diet/lifestyle questionnaires. Metabolic risk factors that were analyzed included: waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting glucose, blood triglycerides and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Three interactive seminars were delivered over a 3-month period. At the end of the period, data collection was repeated. Results At the commencement of the study, 35% of the participants exhibited ≥ 3 of the metabolic risk factors that characterize metabolic syndrome. This is higher than the reported prevalence in the general Australian population (22.1%). A total 21 of the 33 participants remained committed to the intervention and provided pre and post intervention data. Of these, 28% (N = 6) showed a decrease in one or more of the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome. There was a significant increase in the average HDL-C after the intervention. Qualitative feedback indicated that the workers benefited from the program, especially regarding their awareness of the risks associated with their profession. Conclusions This pilot study demonstrates that lifestyle education seminars specifically tailored for the workplace can have an impact on the health behaviors of transport workers.

Health risk in transport workers. Part II. Dietary compounds as modulators of occupational exposure to chemicals

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Kozłowska L., Gromadzińska J., Wąsowicz W.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

2019

vol. 32

issue 4

441-464

Professional drivers are exposed to a number of factors that have a negative influence on their health status. These include vibrations, noise, the lack of fresh air in the car cabin, shift work (frequently at night), monotony resulting from permanent repetition of certain actions, static loads due to immobilization in a sitting position, stress resulting from the need to ensure safety in heavy traffic, as well as air pollution (dust, volatile organic substances, nitrogen and sulfur oxides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, dioxins, furans and others). Factors associated with the specificity of the profession of a driver, including exposure to chemical substances, result in an increased risk of the development of many diseases, i.e., obesity, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, extensive genitourinary pathology experienced by taxi drivers, lung cancer and other forms of cancer. In the case of drivers, especially those covering long distances, there are also actual difficulties related to ensuring a proper diet. Although attempts at interventional research that would change the principles of nutrition, as well as ensure physical activity and weight reduction, have been made, their results have not been satisfactory. The paper focuses on the discussion on the role of a diet and dietary phytochemicals in the prevention of adverse health effects of such chemicals as a mix of chemicals in the polluted air, benzo(a)pyrene, benzene and metals (lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel), which are the main sources of exposure in the case of transport workers. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(4):441–64

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2 International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

1 Colson N. J.

1 Gromadzińska J.

1 Kozłowska L.

1 Kundur A.

1 Naug H. L.

1 Roberts M.

1 Santha Kumar A.

1 Singh I.

1 Tucakovic L.

1 Wąsowicz W.

1 2019

1 2016

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Occupational health and metabolic risk factors: A pilot intervention for transport workers

Health risk in transport workers. Part II. Dietary compounds as modulators of occupational exposure to chemicals