Analysis of Fatigue and Related Health and Safety Risk Factors Among Taxi Drivers in Kunming

［Abstract］Objective　To determine the prevalence of fatigue among taxi drivers in Kunming city， to better understand their general working and health conditions，and to determine the risk factors associated with fatigued driving．Methods　A total of 400 taxi drivers were randomly selected for participation in a self-administered questionnaire survey， which included height and weight measurements. The response rate was 88.3%. The survey consisted of four main categories: personal particulars，social habits，work patterns and sleep profile. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale was used to estimate the level of daytime sleepiness and fatigue. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the adjusted odd ratios and 95% confidence interval associated with risk factors related to fatigue among taxi drivers. Results A high proportion of taxi drivers were obese and had self-reported hypertension， diabetes mellitus and high cholesterol. Driver fatigue was associated with very poor/poor self-rating of quality of sleep，having an additional part-time job，and driving more than 10 hours a day. Conclusion　The findings of the present study will improve awareness of the work and health conditions of taxi drivers，and contribute toward efforts to achieve a healthier workforce. A lower prevalence of fatigued driving may lead to lower risks of road traffic accidents，lower economic loss，higher productivity，and safer roads for all.