Epworth Sleepiness Scale In Assessment of Sleepiness and Fatigue Among Commercial Long Distance Drivers In Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Sleepiness and fatigue occur commonly among drivers, especially those who commute long hours to meet set targets and schedules. Sleepiness, fatigue, and other impairments in concentration and attention can lead to road mishaps, crashes, and death. This study seeks to determine the level of Sleepiness and fatigue among commercial long-distance drivers in Benin City using Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the factors affecting it. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study among 315 commercial long-distance drivers from May to August 2015. Respondents were recruited using a systematic random sampling technique. Study instruments included structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. Results: For most drivers, 201 (63.8 %) slept for 4-6 hours, 102 (32.4 %) slept for more than 6 hours at night, and 12 (3.8 %) slept for less than 4 hours a night. Less than a third of the respondents, 101 (32.1 %), stated that the chance of them dozing off while sitting, reading, or watching TV was high; 96 (30.5 %) claimed they would never sleep off. A higher proportion of the respondents, 134 (42.5 %), stated that there was no chance of them dozing off while sitting quietly after lunch without alcohol, while 71 (22.5 %) claimed there was a slight chance. Most respondents, 295 (93.7 %), indicated no possibility of them dozing off in a car when stopped for a few minutes in traffic. Commercial Long Distance Drivers' likelihood of falling asleep using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) shows that slightly more than two-thirds of the respondents, 213 (67.6 %), had an average ESS score while 67 (21.3 %) had an abnormal score (with a sleep disorder or sleep apnea), 35 (11.1 %) are on borderline or moderate and are at risk. Thus, over one-third had abnormal ESS. Conclusion: Drivers Union should have peer group cooperation and enforcement of times off work and have adequate sleep and rest. Transport companies should provide drivers rest lodges and camps as part of occupational health services (OHS) available to all employed workers. Moreover, ensure drivers are on shift duty to support rest periods.