Clinical characteristics of bus drivers and field officers infected with COVID-19: A cross-sectional study from Istanbul

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In metropolitans, where public transportation is used extensively, bus drivers are one of the occupational groups with a high risk of contracting COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the difference between the clinical status of a group of bus drivers and field officers with COVID-19 on public transportation lines in Istanbul. METHODS: The study was conducted with 477 male volunteer participants. COVID-19 was confirmed through a positive nasopharyngeal culture sample using the real-time PCR test. Demographic information, biochemical parameters, clinical status, and the use of nutritional supplements were compared between those who recovered from COVID-19 at home or in the hospital. RESULTS: The body mass indexes (BMI) of 83.9% of individuals was above normal and 75.4% were treated for the disease at home. There were significant differences in terms of age, BMI, weight loss, smoking, use of nutritional supplements, blood glucose levels and vitamin B12 values. However, there was no significant difference between the types of nutritional supplements used or other biochemical parameters. CONCLUSION: It was determined that those who survived the disease at home were younger and had a lower BMI. It is important for both individuals and for general public health to create healthy working environments, especially for bus drivers, who have a high risk of COVID-19 contamination and transmission due to their long exposure time.