Factors associated with daytime sleepiness in public transportation drivers in Lima Metropolitan area

Abstract

Objective. To determine the frequency of sleepiness and its associated factors in public transportation drivers in Lima metropolitan area. Materials and Methods. Transversal analytical study carried out on drivers between 18 and 65 years old who work in a public transportation company registered in the Municipality of Lima. Sleepiness was assessed using a version of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale validated in Peru. The variables that could behave as associated factors were obtained by a data collection sheet. Logistic regression was used to estimate the magnitude of the association between sleepiness and variables considered as associated factors. Results. Four hundred forty (440) drivers were included, median age was 38.0 years and the majority (99.3%) were males. From the total number of drivers, 17.7% (78) experienced daytime sleepiness. A significant association was found between sleepiness and the 2 x 1 rotation system (p=0.038), and between sleepiness and hours of sleep under seven (p=0.011). Logistic regression analysis showed that drivers with six or fewer hours of sleep were more likely to have daytime sleepiness (OR 1.83, 95% CI: 1.03-3.25). Conclusions. Approximately one out of five drivers experienced daytime sleepiness, which was associated with having six or fewer hours of sleep per day.