Better Work Ability Is Associated With Lower Levels of Both Occupational Stress and Occupational Physical Activity in Professional Drivers

Better work ability is associated with lower levels of both occupational stress and occupational physical activity, but higher leisure and locomotion activities and physical exercises in leisure in professional drives. Sociodemographic information and ergonomics organization play a smaller role in determining the work ability of this population. ObjectiveThe aim of the study is to investigate the association of sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, work organization, and professional profile with work ability in professional drivers.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study with 449 drivers in Curitiba, Parana (Brazil). Participants were assessed regarding their work ability (Work Ability Index [WAI]), sociodemographic, lifestyle (physical activity [Baecke's questionnaire] and stress [Work Stress Scale]), work organization, and professional profile using self-completion instruments. The association of WAI with sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, work organization, and professional profile was determined by multivariable ordinal logistic regression models.ResultsLifestyle factors best explained the WAI variability. The WAI was inversely associated with stress and occupational physical activities but directly associated with leisure activities and locomotion and leisure-time physical exercise.ConclusionsOur data also challenge the concept that sociodemographic information and ergonomics organization influence determining the work ability of this population.

Automated summary

Better work ability is associated with lower levels of occupational stress and physical activity, but higher levels of leisure activities and physical exercises. Sociodemographic factors and ergonomics organization have a smaller role in determining the work ability of professional drivers.