Evaluation of the Status of Severe Occupational Stress and Its Associated Factors among Public Transportation Bus Drivers in Tehran, 2012, Iran

Background and Objectives: Driving includes a wide range of stressor factors. This research was done with the aim of determination of the status of severe occupational stress and its associated factors among public transport bus drivers in Tehran. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 388 urban bus drivers in Tehran in 2012. The samples were selected randomly from 9 systems or regions. To investigate the relationships of factors influencing severe stress, a questionnaire with demographic and driving information was used. Data analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate regression logistic tests. Results: 31.7% of all participants in this study stated that they had severe stress during work in the last year (or at the time of the study). Also, variables of work shift and bus routes caused a 1.7-fold stress among drivers of evening shift and the monthly rotation compared to the drivers of morning shift and a 1.8-fold stress among drivers of the normal lines compared to BRT lines. Also, drug consumption and disease were effective causes in creating a 3.7-fold stress among the drivers. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that work shift and bus route are among work factors influencing the occurrence of severe stress among bus drivers. On the other hand, drug consumption and physical and mental illness can also be effective in increasing severe stress among drivers