Health problems, hypertension and predisposition to stress in truck drivers

Abstract

This study approached the health problems which were involved with stress using Self reporting Questionnaires (SRQ-20) in order to evaluate mental disorders. The sample was constituted of 258 trucker drivers in Brazilian roadway (37,5±10,0 years old, 55% drink alcohol, 37% with arterial hypertension e 57% used drugs to get alert). The drivers informed they were nervous, tense and worried (56%), disturbed sleep (47%), headaches (37%), difficulties in making decisions (38%) and difficulties in thinking clearly (20%). The results of SRQ-20 showed that 33% were probably with common mental disorders and an association (p<0.05) with fatigue, diminished concentration, being nervous and worried, personal problems at work, and trucker transportation. As conclusion, the presence of common mental disorders was considered probably as consequence of stresseful conditions at work.