Road traffic accidents, sleepiness, and Obstructive sleep apnea: A cross sectional study among public transport drivers in Chonburi province
Keywords:
public transport drivers, road accidents, sleepiness, Obstructive sleep apneaAbstract
For a decade, road accidents have been one of the top three causes of death in Thailand. Driving while drowsy is a factor that increases accident risks and Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is often a cause of drowsiness. Public transport drivers have a higher risk of driving when drowsy and are at a higher risk of OSA than other members of the population. The aim of this study was to explore the causes of road accidents, the factors associated with road accidents and sleepiness, and to examine the prevalence of OSA among public transport drivers in the Chonburi province of Thailand. A cross-sectional analytical study was employed in this study, employing a face-to-face questionnaire, together with a physical examination, was used to collect data from 218 public transport drivers. It was found that 43.1% of the samples had been involved in road accidents. The highest percentage of accidents were caused by sleepiness or micro-sleep (20.3%). The factors associated with road accidents included caffeinated drink consumption (adjusted OR=2.7, 95%CI=1.3-5.8), the Epworth sleepiness score >10 (adjusted OR=2.0, 95% CI=1.1-3.8), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index >5 (adjusted OR=3.2, 95% CI=1.7-5.9). Furthermore, excessive daytime sleepiness was indicated by 33% of the samples. Poor sleep quality was revealed in 43.1% of the samples. The factors associated with excessive daytime sleepiness was body mass index >25 kg/m2 (adjusted OR=1.7, 95% CI=2.2-11.8), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index >5 (adjusted OR=3.6, 95%CI=1.18-4.75), and STOP BANG >3 (adjusted OR=2.3, 95%CI=1.30-4.12). The prevalence of OSA risk was 41.7%. Excessive daytime sleepiness and poor sleep quality were the leading factors for road accident risks among public transport drivers. Drowsiness or micro-sleep driving screening among people applying for commercial driver’s licenses is essential. Furthermore, campaigns promoting good sleep quality for public transport drivers should be regularly held.
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