Drowsiness and associated factors in long distance transport drivers in sub-Saharan Africa - 09/01/21
Résumé |
Introduction |
Drowsiness while driving is considered as a major cause of accident on the public highway. In Cameroon, several preventive measures have been implemented to reduce this scourge, which has serious consequences for economic development and health.
Purpose |
To assess the frequence of drowsiness and identify the associated factors in a group of interurban drivers in Cameroon.
Methods |
We carried out an analytical cross-sectional study from January to July 2019. Study carried out among drivers of interurban public transport in Cameroon, practicing for at least 3 completed months before the date of recruitment. Drowsiness was assessed using the Epworth Drowsiness Scale (ESE). The statistical analysis was carried out using Epi Info software version 3.5.4 and Excel 2013. The significance threshold was set at 5%.
Results |
We included 93 subjects in the study. The average age was 43.4(±9.3) years with the average body mass index (BMI)of 27.2 (±3.7)kg/m2; 19.40% were obese. 70 drivers claimed to have consumed drinks containing caffeine, theine and/or other energized drinks. Physical inactivity was reported in 47.3% of the drivers. A drowsiness frequency was estimated 34.4% with the ESE ≥11 in our study population. There were an association of drowsiness with the duration of the profession <10 years and ≥20 years. Furthermore, an association was found with the number of hours of driving varying from 30-50h for a significant p-value of 0.000. The factors associated with persistent drowsiness after logistic regression were the number of hours of driving varying between 30-40h per week and a BMI ≥30kg/m2 with a P-value of 0.000 and 0.0004 respectively.
Conclusion |
Drowsiness frequency was estimated at 34.4% for drivers with an ESE ≥11 in our study population. Participants driving 30 to 40hrs per week and those with a BMI ≥30kg/m2 had a higher risk of dozing while driving.
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Vol 13 - N° 1
P. 132 - janvier 2021 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.