A Model of Bus Drivers’ Diseases: Risk Factors and Bus Accidents

Bus accident is a major health problem for bus drivers.  To identify the risk factors involved in bus accidents and to design a model showing the relation between the risk factors and bus driver’s health status, 219 bus drivers who worked for travel agencies in two areas of west and central Iran were enrolled into this study.  We used a questionnaire to gather information regarding both the bus drivers’ health status and bus accident. The most prevalent health problems among bus drivers were musculoskeletal disorders, ulcer, hyperacidity, obesity, hypertension and diabetes.  There was a significant (p<0.05) correlation between the chance of bus accidents and occurrence of low back pain, leg pain, neck pain, hypertension and migraine.  Based on the results of this study we suggest a model that can be used to design a prevention plan in making bus transportation safer.  In light of this study, more comprehensive studies can be planned for the safety of traveling by bus, in Iran.  Bus driver’s health status is a determinant factor in the incidence of accidents.