Exploring the Behavior, Work Characteristics and Effects on the Health of Drivers of Public Service Vehicles / Heavy Transport Vehicles on N-5 Highway, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Professional drivers of Public Service Vehicles (PSV) and Heavy Transport Vehicles (HTV) are exposed to prolonged working hours, environmental hazards, and psychosocial stressors, yet evidence from Pakistan, particularly along major transport corridors such as the N-5 highway, remains limited. Objective: To assess work characteristics, behavioral patterns, and self-reported health effects among PSV and HTV drivers operating on the N-5 highway in Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 350 professional drivers using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data on demographic profile, occupational conditions, lifestyle factors, and health outcomes were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and inferential tests, including odds ratios and chi-square analysis. Results: The majority of drivers (70.0%) were aged 31–65 years, with 58.0% working more than 10 hours daily and 36.0% working 27–30 days per month. Fatigue was reported by 30.8% of drivers, psychological problems by 17.1%, respiratory issues by 23.2%, and vision impairment by 27.5%. Significant associations were observed between fatigue and vehicle type (p=0.021) and age (OR=2.07, 95% CI: 1.20–3.58). HTV drivers had higher odds of excessive tea consumption (OR=2.67, p<0.001), while PSV drivers showed greater involvement in fatal accidents (OR=3.21, p<0.001). Environmental exposures including smoke (63.0%), noise (36.0%), and glare (45.0%) were widely reported. Conclusion: PSV and HTV drivers on the N-5 highway experience a high burden of occupational health risks driven by excessive workload, inadequate rest, and environmental exposures, underscoring the need for regulatory enforcement and targeted occupational health interventions.