Impact of Work-related Environmental Adversity on Non-Communicable Diseases in Unorganized Sector Motor Vehicle Operators: A Mixed Method Study

This study titled “Impact of Work-related Environmental Adversity on Non-Communicable Diseases in Unorganized Sector Motor Vehicle Operators: A Mixed Method Study” aims to assess the relationship between occupational environmental adversity and the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among commercial motor vehicle operators working in the unorganized sector. Work-related environmental adversity refers to negative workplace conditions such as long working hours, lack of fixed breaks, job insecurity, stress, heat exposure, and absence of social security benefits under the Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act. Drivers employed in privately owned transport and delivery services are particularly vulnerable to these stressors, which may contribute to hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and dyslipidemia. With the rising burden of NCDs in India, as highlighted by the World Health Organization, it is important to understand how occupational adversity influences disease risk in this underserved population.

The study will use a mixed-method approach. Objective 1 involves a scoping review of literature from the past 10 years to explore existing evidence on the influence of work-related environmental adversity on NCD epidemiology in India. Objectives 2 and 3 will be addressed through a prospective cross-sectional study conducted among 416 commercial motor vehicle operators aged above 30 years, working for more than one year in privately owned transportation or delivery services in a coastal district of Karnataka. Stratified sampling will be done across four vehicle categories (two-wheelers, three-wheelers, taxis, and buses) based on the classification by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Data will be collected using a pretested questionnaire to assess sociodemographic details, lifestyle factors, and work-related environmental adversity using a validated scoring system. Heat strain will also be assessed using a standardized questionnaire. Clinical measurements including height, weight, waist-hip ratio, body mass index, and blood pressure will be recorded as per the World Health Organization approach. Random blood sugar will be tested for all participants, and lipid profile will be performed for those with central obesity. Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression to determine associations between work-related adversity and NCD risk factors. Ethical approval will be obtained, and informed consent will be taken from all participants. The findings are expected to provide baseline evidence to support occupational health interventions and policy measures for unorganized transport workers.