Assessment Of Risk Factors For Cardiovascular Diseases Among Auto Rickshaw Drivers In Puducherry

Abstract

Introduction: In many countries including India Auto- rickshaws are an important means of public transportation. The drivers spend most of their time in a noisy and polluted environment which is harmful. Usually they have irregular meals and stress during driving. These factors could be associated with cardiovascular problems.

Materials and Methods: The current study was done in Puducherry, India.

Study Population: 385 Auto-rickshaw drivers were included as the study population.

Sampling: Sampling was done during July 2021 to June 2022 from a total of 768 Auto-rickshaw drivers of five commune panchayats from both rural and urban areas of Puducherry.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted among auto-rickshaw drivers working in Puducherry.

Results: Majority of them 312(81.2%) had inadequate level of physical activity, 211(54.8%) were in Obese category, 60(16%) in stage 1 hypertension, 6(1%) in stage 2 hypertension, 71% had Tobacco and 48% had alcohol usage respectively. About 137(49.7%) had moderate risk, 109(39.5%) had low risk, 29(10.5%) had high risk for CVD respectively based on WHO/ISH chart

Conclusion: High-risk screening programmes studying the prevalence of hypertension, obesity, stress, abdominal obesity, inadequate physical activity has to be planned regularly for this group.