Abstract

This study investigated the correlation between health-related habits and the biochemical characteristics of the blood of Korean bus drivers. A total of 178 bus drivers working in the Masan area participated in this study. The general characteristics and health-related habits of the subjects were surveyed using a serf-administered questionnaire. The biochemical date were collected from regular health check-ups done through their workshop health insurance company in lune, 1999. The results were as follows : The average age of the subjects was 38 years, and 44.2% had a driving career of between 10 and 19 years. About 90% of the subjects ate irregularly, and 36% ate. health floods. Their rates of drinking, smoking and exercise were 74.6%, 83.6% and 70.8%, respectively. Their frequency of drinking was significantly increased as the length of their driving career increased (p<0.001). Their levels of total serum cholesterol, in relation to the length of their driving career was significantly higher in the over 20 year group than in the below 10 year group (p<0.05). Their systolic blood pressures, according to age, were significantly higher in the 51 to 60 age group than in the other groups (p<0.05). Their total um cholesterol levels signiscantly increased with increasing age (p<0.001). Their diastolic blood pressures (p<0.001) and blood glucose levels (p<0.05) were significantly higher among the subjects who drinking alcohol almost everyday, than among other subjects. Their systolic blood pressures who significantly increased with increasing frequency of their drinking (p<0.001). The systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were positively related to age, the amount of drinking, the frequency of drinking and the obesity index, and negatively related to exercise and the duration of exercise. The hemoglobin was positively related to age, preference for a meat diet and the obesity index. The blood glucose was positively related to the amount of drinking, and the total serum cholesterol was positively related to age, length of driving career, period of smoking and the obesity index. The results of this study indicated that bus drivers need regular exercise, moderation of their drinking and smoking, and control of their body weights so as to prevent chronic diseases.

• Keywords: bus; drivers; alcohol; exercise; blood pressure; obesity