title: Hematocrit levels as cardiovascular risk among taxi drivers in Bangkok, Thailand.
abstract: In Thailand, taxi drivers employed in the informal sector often experience hazardous working conditions. Previous studies revealed that elevated Hematocrit (HCT) is a predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This study assessed factors associated with HCT in taxi drivers to predict their occupational CVD risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 298 male taxi drivers who joined a health check-up campaign in Bangkok, Thailand. HCT and body mass index were retrieved from participant health check-up files. Self-administered questionnaires assessed demographics, driving mileage, working hours, and lifestyle. Statistical associations were analyzed using stepwise linear regression. Our results showed that obesity (p=0.007), daily alcohol drinking (p=0.003), and current or past smoking (p=0.016) were associated with higher HCT levels. While working hours were not directly associated with HCT levels in the current study, the effect on overworking is statistically arguable because most participants worked substantially longer hours. Our findings suggest that taxi drivers' CVD risk may be increased by their unhealthy work styles. Initiatives to improve general working conditions for taxi drivers should take into account health promotion and CVD prevention. The policy of providing periodic health check-ups is important to make workers in the informal sector aware of their health status.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Thailand.
authors.forename: Tomohiro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ishimaru
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Arphorn
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jirapongsuwan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001334:Automobile Driving; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015438:Health Behavior; D006400:Hematocrit; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013785:Thailand