Nutritional Status and Physical Activity Pattern as Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases among Occupational Bus Drivers

It is anticipated that occupational bus drivers are at risk of non-communicable diseases. Present study aims at assessing the nutritional status and analyzing the risk factors associated, which could increase the probability of non-communicable diseases among bus drivers and conductors working for Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation.120 professional drivers and conductors who attended annual health checkup were included. A pre designed questionnaire elicited information about anthropometry, dietary, physical activity and sleep pattern of the subjects. Lipid profile and blood glucose levels were recorded from annual health check up reports. Mean age of the subjects was 44 years with BMI ranging between 25- 29.9Kg/m2. 73.3% had mixed diet pattern, 40% skip their meals sometime and majority eat their meals outside home most of the days in a week.74.2% didn’t indulge in physical activity. 56.7% subjects slept six to seven hours per day. 17.5% were diabetic, 52.5%, 80.8% and 17.5%had higher serum triglycerides, Low Density Lipoprotein and total cholesterol respectively. 57.5% had lower High Density Lipoprotein levels. 8.3%, 21.7% and 15% were smokers, alcoholic and tobacco chewers respectively. ‘t’ test analysis showed significant difference between energy, protein and visible fat intake with that of Recommended Dietary Allowance and Estimated Average Requirement. Total cholesterol, Low Density Lipoprotein and serum triglycerides had positive correlation with energy, protein and visible fat intake and BMI. Considerable risk factors for non-communicable diseases were observed among the subjects; effective diet counseling with regular follow up and monitoring is necessary to prevent the same.Key words: Occupational drivers, nutritional status, risk factors, dietary pattern, physical activity, Non Communicable Diseases, effective counseling.