Driving into Diabetes: Risk Assessment among Interstate Truck Drivers in West Bengal.

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus has led to a huge increase in its number over recent decades. Due to their occupation, truck drivers are predisposed to higher risk of lifestyle disorders. Hence, this study intended to assess their risk of developing diabetes mellitus with respect to IDRS (Indian Diabetes Risk Score). A cross-sectional study was conducted in a selected logistic company for 3 months, where 160 interstate truck drivers were selected by simple random sampling. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS 16 version. The mean age of study participants was 38.4 ± 10.7 years. Of the total, 49.5% of the participants had a high IDRS. A significant increase in IDRS was associated with the occupational variables. Strict monitoring of government guidelines on fair working hours for truck drivers is required. They, being a high-risk group due to their occupation, require periodic health checkups, and appropriate measures should be taken to minimize the detrimental effects on their health.