(P13-029-24) Nutritional Habits of Bus Drivers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: While the shift system brings numerous positive effects on work and production life, it also negatively affects the nutritional quality of employees and brings many comorbid health problems. In this study, some dietary habits of bus drivers working on urban lines were investigated.

Methods: The study was conducted with 1408 male drivers working in Istanbul, 51.1% of whom were shift drivers. The data form included demographic information, anthropometric measurements, some dietary habits as well as questions on physical activity status, diet quality, perceived stress and emotional appetite.

Results: The mean age of the drivers was 43.22±7.84 years and the physical activity status of both shift and non-shift workers was insufficiently active. The mean BMI of the drivers was 28.10±4.26 kg/m² and 34.9% of all drivers consumed 2-4 glasses of water daily and 31.6% consumed 5-7 glasses of water daily. The beverage they consumed the most during working hours was tea (63.9%). In addition, 41.7% of all drivers add sugar to their tea. It was found that shift and non-shift drivers consumed 57.7% and 70.5% milk and dairy products; 16.0% and 18.2% meat, chicken and fish; 41.4% and 46.7% fruits and vegetables; 31.5% and 30.5% bread and cereals; 16.7% and 12.7% ready meals and soups; and 8.9% and 5.3% carbonated beverages every day, respectively.

Conclusions: In conclusion, shift drivers are considered as a group that can benefit from nutrition intervention to improve their health and quality of life. Bus drivers should be provided with conditions that support healthy nutrition according to their meals in food supply and break times in their workplaces.

Funding Sources: This study was supported by Scientific Research Coordination Unit of Anadolu University under the project number 2207E070.