Sleep habits and accident risk among truck drivers: a cross-sectional study in Argentina.
Road accidents are a major cause of death, and sleep deprivation affects driving skills. We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate sleep habits and accident risk in long-haul truck drivers in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Questionnaires regarding sleep habits, snoring, and daytime sleepiness were administered, and a limited physical examination was performed. We obtained 738 complete answers (response rate 85%). Mean sleep hours during working days was 3.76 (SD 2.40). Mean driving hours was 15.9 (SD 5.60) per day. Frequent sleepiness while driving was reported by 43.7% of responders. Sleepiness while driving was associated with Epworth Sleepiness Scale values >10 (odds ratio 1.85, 95% confidence interval = 1.20-2.85). Snoring was reportea by 71% of drivers and was frequent in 43.8%. Snoring more than 3 times a week (odds ratio 1.73, 95% confidence interval = 1.23-2.44), sleepiness while driving (OR 1.92, 95% confidence interval = 1.08-1.96), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale score > 10 (odds ratio 2.53, 95% confidence interval = 1.61-3.97) were independently associated with reporting of accidents or near accidents. Sleep deprivation and long driving shifts were prevalent in our study. Accident risk was associated with frequent snoring, daytime sleepiness, and reporting of sleepiness at the wheel. This study highlights the need of improving working conditions in this highly exposed population.
Pérez-Chada
Daniel
D
Pulmonary Division and Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina. dperez@cas.austral.edu.ar
Videla
Alejandro J
AJ
O'Flaherty
Martin E
ME
Palermo
Patricia
P
Meoni
Jorgelina
J
Sarchi
Maria I
MI
Khoury
Marina
M
Durán-Cantolla
Joaquin
J
D000328:Adult; D001118:Argentina / Q000453:epidemiology; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006970:Disorders of Excessive Somnolence / Q000453:epidemiology; D006184:Habits; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018986:Motor Vehicles; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D020178:Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012913:Snoring / Q000453:epidemiology