TITLE:
Excessive Drowsiness among Truck Drivers in Benin in 2023: Associated Factors and Risk of Crashes Occurrence
AUTHORS:
Mongbo Virginie, Mobali Wilondja Célestin, Kpozehouen Alphonse
KEYWORDS:
Drowsiness, Large Trucks, Accidents, Benin
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Epidemiology,
Vol.14 No.1,
February
29,
2024
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Over-drowsiness is a condition with serious consequences, including road accidents. The condition, however, is often ignored both by carers as well as victims themselves. The aim of the present study was to investigate the factors associated with excessive drowsiness in Cotonou, Benin 2023, along with its influence on the occurrence of crashes among truck drivers. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, held from March 13 to April 10, 2023, focusing on large truck drivers over 18 years of age, selected by convenience from parking lots in and around the city of Cotonou. Data collected using questionnaires on socio-demographic and behavioral factors, sleeping habits and working conditions were processed using Stata 15.0 software. Excessive drowsiness was defined by a score above 10 on the Epworth scale. Associated factors were found by multiple logistic regression, at a threshold of 0.05. Results: Altogether 304 drivers, all male and aged 35.98 ± 8.42 years, were surveyed. The prevalence of excessive drowsiness was 29.2%. The associated factors identified were not practicing sport OR = 2.27, CI95% = [1.33; 3.86], p = 0,002; sleep duration per working day OR = 1.82; CI95% = [1.06; 3.11], p = 0,027 and average distance travelled per day OR = 3.40; CI95% = [1.53; 7.56], p = 0,003. Excessive drowsiness was associated with a 1.73-fold increased risk of road accidents (CI95% [1.04; 2.87]; p = 0.03). Conclusion: Communicating excessive drowsiness and its associated factors to all the stakeholders in the haulage chain is essential to help prevent road accidents.