Assessing Knowledge, Attitude, Practices (KAP), Lifestyle Diseases, and Psychological Well-Being among Commercial Vehicle Drivers in Central India - Original Research

Sep 30, 2026

Commercial vehicle drivers face multiple health risks driven by sedentary work, irregular schedules, and chronic occupational stress. A cross-sectional study assessed knowledge, attitude, practices (KAP), prevalence of lifestyle diseases, and psychological well-being among 300 drivers in Central India. Data were obtained via a pre-tested questionnaire covering KAP, substance use, and health-seeking behavior; BMI, blood pressure, and random blood glucose were measured. WHO-5 evaluated well-being, linking poorer scores with obesity and substance use.

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CategoryHealthcare

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Abstract

Introduction

Materials and Methods

Original Research Assessing Knowledge, Attitude, Practices (KAP), Lifestyle Diseases, and Psychological Well‑Being among Commercial Vehicle Drivers in Central India Jitendra Singh Dangi1, Anurag Kumar Jain2, Ashish Kumar Dubey1, Ramesh Pandey2, Shikha Pandey3, Talha Saad4, Aashutosh Asati5 1Department of Surgery, Government Bundelkhand Medical College, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India, 2Department of Medicine, Bundelkhand Medical College, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India, 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bundelkhand Medical College, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India, 4Department of Respiratory Medicine, Bundelkhand Medical College Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India, 5Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shyam Shah Medical College, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India Submitted: 22‑Jul‑2025 Revised: 02‑Aug‑2025 Accepted: 12‑Aug‑2025 Published: 17‑Dec‑2025 Abstract Background: Commercial vehicle drivers are prone to multiple health risks due to their sedentary occupation, irregular schedules, and stress. This study aimed to assess their knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP), prevalence of lifestyle diseases, and psychological well‑being. Materials and Methods: A cross‑sectional study was conducted among 300 commercial drivers in Central India. Data were collected using a pre‑tested questionnaire assessing KAP, substance use, and health‑seeking behavior. Clinical parameters, including body mass index, blood pressure, and random blood glucose, were measured. Psychological well‑being was assessed using the WHO‑5 Index. Results: Of the 300 participants, 63.3% were smokers, and 50% consumed alcohol. Overweight and obesity were observed in 31% and 25.3% of drivers, respectively. Hypertension was noted in 24%, and 12.7% had diabetes. Psychological well‑being was poor in 15.7% and moderate in 29% of participants, with poorer scores associated with obesity and substance use. Conclusion: The study highlights significant health and behavioral risks among commercial drivers. Routine screening, health education, and stress management interventions are essential to mitigate long‑term morbidity in this high‑risk occupational group. Keywords: Commercial drivers, lifestyle diseases, occupational health, psychological well‑being Introduction ommercial vehicle drivers form the backbone of rIndiniath’se trmaonvsportatemention netwof goodsorkan,d playing apeople acrcorsisticathle nation. However, their occupation exposes them to multiple health risks due to erratic work schedules, prolonged sitting, inadequate sleep, irregular meals, limited access to healthcare, and high stress levels. These occupational hazards contribute to the growing burden of lifestyle‑related non‑communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions in this population. In addition, the psychological toll of isolation, long driving hours, and job insecurity can lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance dependence. | Access this article online | | | --- | --- | | Quick Response Code:
| Website: [https://journals.lww.com/jpbs](https://journals.lww.com/jpbs) | | | DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1275_25 | Understanding the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of drivers regarding health and safety is essential for developing targeted interventions. Poor awareness and negligent behaviors often perpetuate unhealthy lifestyles, increasing the risk of chronic diseases and accidents. Studies from India and other developing countries have shown that commercial drivers frequently have low awareness of health risksand limited access to preventive care or screening services.[1,2] The high prevalence of smoking, alcohol | Address for correspondence: Dr. Ashish Kumar Dubey, Department of Surgery, Government Bundelkhand Medical College, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India.
E-mail: [drashish15184@gmail.com](drashish15184@gmail.com) | | --- | | This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the

FAQs

What was the main aim of the study among commercial vehicle drivers?

To assess knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP), the prevalence of lifestyle diseases, and psychological well-being among commercial vehicle drivers in Central India.

How were lifestyle diseases and health risks measured?

BMI, blood pressure, and random blood glucose were measured, alongside KAP data collected using a pre-tested questionnaire.

What did the study report about lifestyle disease prevalence and psychological well-being?

Smoking and alcohol consumption were common, while overweight/obesity and hypertension/diabetes were also observed. Psychological well-being was poor for a subset of participants, with worse scores associated with obesity and substance use.

Sep 30, 2026

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