Factors associated with self-perceived health in taxi drivers

ABSTRACT This study aimed at analyzing the association of sociodemographic, occupational, risk and health-related factors with taxi drivers’ self-perceived health. This is a cross-sectional study carried out with 100 taxi drivers from the city of Jequié (Bahia). A questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic, occupational, behavioral and health variables was used. To verify the association of independent variables with health perception, the Pearson’s chi-squared test was used, adopting a confidence interval of 95%. The frequency of positive self-perceived health was 73.0%, with statistically significant associations between negative self-perceived health and individuals with eight years or less of education (p=0.033), length of service >10 years (p=0.003), poor sleep quality (p=0.006), physical and mental fatigue at the end of a workday (p=0.002 and p=0.006, respectively) and work ability index classified as moderate and good (p=0.016, p=0.000, respectively). Negative self-perceived health in taxi drivers had association with individuals who had eight years or less of education, high length of service, poor sleep quality, physical and mental fatigue, and moderate and good work ability; which suggests the need for investments in health education actions directed to these professionals in order to promote interest in the care of their own health.