Occupational health problems among taxi drivers in chiang mai province, Thailand

This descriptive study was designed to examine occupational health problems among taxi drivers. The study sample were 350 Taxi Drivers in Chiang Mai province, Northern part of Thailand. Data collection was conducted using both an interview form, which was assured the quality, and focus group discussions. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The main results reflected the congruence between quantitative and qualitative information. The significant occupational health hazards in working environment included ergonomic hazards: repetitive posture (94.3%), twist body position (90.9%), flexion/extension of neck and twist hand position (89.7%); chemical hazards: dust (94.2%), air pollution (93.6%); physical hazards: noise (90.9%), heat (89.4%), vibration (86.3%); and psychosocial hazard: income insecurity (80.9%) and rush work (64.2%). Unsafe working condition was mentioned as curved road (78.5%) and slippery road surface (78.2%). Regarding health status related to risk, it was found that the most common ailments possibly related to exposure of
occupational health hazards included body pain (94.8%), heat exhaustion (71.2%), and stress (67.9%). Workrelated injuries during the past three months was only 6.7 percent, which was minor injuries. Concern lifestyle pattern, it was found that the sample had inappropriate lifestyle pattern. Aspects of each lifestyle that were inappropriate included physical activity (85.5%), and eating behaviors (64.2%). This study results indicate that occupational and environmental health professions should recognize the importance of both environmental and health surveillance. Enhancing disseminating information regarding safety at work and health risk should be encouraged to reduce occupational illnesses or injuries related to work among taxi drivers.