P-379 Fatigue and sleepiness at the wheel: case of public bus-drivers in the center of Tunisia

IntroductionThe World Health Organization estimated that fatigue and sleepiness multiply the risk of road traffic accident by eight. Indeed, fatigue, related to physical, mental or emotional workload, generates disruption of physiological functions and sleep-wake rhythm. This impact drivers’ cognitive performance with disruption of the decision-making process and lengthening of reaction time.ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of fatigue and sleep disorders among bus drivers in a public transport company and to identify the associated socio-demographic, medical and occupational risk factors. Materials and Methods An exhaustive cross-sectional survey was conducted over three months, among bus drivers of a company in the center of Tunisia. Validated questionnaires of Pichot, Epworth and Pittsburgh were used for the assessment of sleep quality and drowsiness.ResultsThe study population was exclusively male (n=197). The mean age was equal to 40 ± 6.5 years and the bus driving seniority was higher than 10 years in 58% of cases. According to Pichot’s score, 60% of bus drivers were concerned with fatigue, in high level for 6% of cases. In addition, 40% of the drivers suffered from excessive daytime sleepiness. The sleepiness was slight in 24% of cases and moderate in 16% of cases. According to statistical analysis, medical history (p=0.05), snoring (p=0.04) and the nature of the traffic circuit (p=0.04) emerged as bus drivers’ fatigue risk factors. Sleepiness was associated with several individual and occupational factors including obesity (p=0.02), tea and/or coffee consumption (p=0.01), seniority (P=0.07) and daily driving time (p=0.04).ConclusionFatigue and sleepiness among bus drivers were statistically associated with individual characteristics and work organization specificity. Efficient global preventive strategy must promote healthy lifestyle among drivers (fight against sedentary, substance abuse, promotion of physical activity...) and take into consideration their working days duration and organization.