Chapter 4

HEALTH PRACTICES AND HEALTH PROBLEMS AMONG JEEPNEY DRIVERS

This chapter presents the results, analysis, and interpretation of the data gathered from the

study conducted. This includes socio-demographic profile, diagnosed health problems and non-

diagnosed health problems, health practices utilized by jeepney drivers. The resulting data are

presented in a textual discussion followed by tabular presentation to facilitate better

understanding. Implications are also presented to provide in-depth analysis of each resulting

data.

Profile of Respondents

The profile of the respondents was discussed in two parts: socio-demographic profile and

health information. In terms of socio-demographic profile it includes age, civil status, weight,

height, highest educational attainment, monthly income, number of family members, number of

hours working per day, number of years working as a driver, and number of years the vehicle in

operation. The health information comprises the diagnosed health problems which was already

seen by a medical doctor and non-diagnosed health problems which they commonly experienced.

Socio Demographic Profile

The socio-demographic profile is presented in Table 1. It comprises of age, civil status,

weight, height, highest educational attainment, monthly income, number of family members,

number of hours working per day, number of years working as a driver, and number of years the

vehicle in operation.
 Table 1
Socio-Demographic Profile of Respondents
N=59

VARIABLES DARAGA-LEGAZPI ROUTE

Freq Percent Rank

Age
18-25 1 1.69 6
26-33 11 18.64 3
34-41 23 38.98 1
42-49 16 27.12 2
50-57 5 8.47 4
58-65 3 5.08 5
Total 59 100
Civil Status
Single 7 11.86 2
Married 51 86.44 1
Separated
Widow 1 1.69 3
Total 59 100
Educational Attainment
Elementary Undergraduate
Elementary Graduate 7 11.86 4
High school Undergraduate 5 8.47 5.5
High school Graduate 23 38.98 1
College Undergraduate 8 13.56 3
College Graduate 5 8.47 5.5
Vocational 11 18.64 2
Total 59 100
Monthly Family Income
31,001 or above 3 5.08 5.5
20,001-31,000 3 5.08 5.5
15,001-20,000 10 16.95 3
10,001-15,000 14 23.73 2
5,001-10,000 23 38.98 7
1,000-5,000 6 10.17 4
5,000 below 6
Total 59 100
Number of Family Members
1-4 26 44.07 2
5-7 29 49.15 1
8-10 4 6.78 3
Total 59 100
No. of Hours Working per Day
8-10 29 49.15 2
11-13 26 44.07 1
14-16 4 6.78 3
Total 59 100
No. of Years Working as a Driver
3-8 19 32.20 2
9-14 9 15.25 3
15-20 20 33.90 1
21-26 5 8.47 4
27-32 2 3.39 6
33-38 3 5.08 5
39-44 1 1.69 7
Total 59 100
No. of Years the Vehicle in Service
1-5 12 20.34 2
6-10 11 18.64 3.5
11-15 11 18.64 3.5
16-20 18 30.51 1
21-25 3 5.08 4
26-30 2 3.39 5.5
31-35 2 3.39 5.5
Total 59 100
BMI
<18.5 3 5.08 4
18.6-22.9 35 59.32 2
23.0-24.9
15 25.42 1
25.0-29.9
>30.0 6 10.17 3

Total 59 100
 Age. Based on the data gathered, the majority of the Jeepney drivers belong to the age

group of 34-41 years old with 23 out of the 59 respondents or 38.98%. An individual in the

middle ages is said to be accepting and adjusting to physiological changes, reaching and

maintaining satisfaction in ones occupation, and achieving adult social and civic responsibility.

This is followed by age 42-49 years old, with 16 out of 59 respondents or 27.12%. This age

bracket is said to be in the middle adulthood which is usually considered to occur approximately

between the ages of 40 and 60. According to Professor Robert Havigurst, an important challenge

in the middle adulthood is to develop a genuine concern for the welfare of future generation and

to contribute to the world through family and work.1 Eleven out of 59 respondents or 18.64%

belonging to the age group of 26-33. Individuals in this age bracket known as young adult who

are generally persons aging from 20 to 40 years. Young adults are concerned with developing the

ability to share intimacy, seeking to form relationships and find intimate love. They were often

faced with work or career decisions which affect not only socioeconomic status but also friends,

political values, residence location, job stress, and many other aspects of life.2 The remaining

respondents belong to the age group of 50-57 years old with 5 or 8.47% and 58-65 years old with

3 or 5.08%. The least number of respondent belonged to the age group of 18-25 years old, with

only 1 or 1.69%.

Civil Status. The civil of the respondents is categorized into four. 51 out of 59

respondents are married with 86.44%. Followed by 7 out 59 respondents are single with 11.86%

while 1 out of 59 respondents is widow with 1.69%. The civil status relates to the study in terms

of the workers responsibilities and health perceptions. A persons civil status determines the

nature and number of his obligations. Married, separated, and widow individuals take more
responsibilities than single ones. They are more likely to seek for an occupation and dedicate

most of their time and efforts for work since it would be their source of income for sustaining

their family needs. As they are more committed to work, they tend to take for granted their

physical conditions, sometimes compromising their health.

Educational Attainment. Of the 59 respondents, 23 or 38.98% were high school

graduates and another 11 or 18.64% were vocational. 8 or 13.56% were college undergraduates,

7 or 11.86% were elementary graduates and 5 or 8.47% were college graduates and high school

undergraduate. The educational attainment of a person would determine his cognitive level, how

aware is he of the health practices and problems in their work place. Predominantly, the Jeepney

drivers in Daraga-Legazpi route finished secondary education. At this level, individuals are

expected to have knowledge bases about health practices and problems and some measures to

prevent them.

Monthly Family Income. As observed, 23 out of 59 respondents or 38.98% had a

monthly income of P5,001 to P10,000. 14 of them or 23.73% had family income of P10,001 to

P15,000 a month. 10 or 16.95% earned P15,001 to P20,000 monthly, 6 or 10.17% had P1,000 to

P5,000 and another 3 or 5.08% gained P20,001 to P31,000 and also 3 or 5.08% for P31,000 or

above monthly income. This means that most of the Jeepney drivers of Daraga-Legazpi route

earn money just enough for their families and are more concerned on meeting their basic needs.

There would also less or no allocated budget for safety concerns, thus they are more prone to

health problems.
 Number of Family Members. Majority of the respondents have large number of family

members. 29 or 49.15% have families with 5-7 members, 26 or 44.07% have families with 1-4

members and another 4 or 6.78% belong to families with 8-10 members. The greater the family

members, the greater their needs are. As providing the needs of their families are of greater

weight, they push aside other concerns such as their health.

Number of hours Working per Day. There are 3 sub-groups under this category.

Number of Years Working as a Driver. 20 of the 59 respondents or 33.90% have been

working as a Jeepney driver for 15-20 years, 19 or 32.20% have been working for 3-8 years. 9 or

15.25% of the remaining respondents have been in service for 9-14 years. 5 or 8.47% have been

working for 21-26 years. 3 or 5.08% have been working for 33-38 years, 2 or 3.39% have

worked for 27-32 years and 1 or 1.69%. This data is very essential to determine since the number

of years the respondents worked relates to the length of their exposure to the health problems in

the working environment. It means that if an individual has been working for a long time now,

he or she has been exposed to health problems in the workplace for a greater period.

Number of Years the Vehicle in Service. 18 out of 59 respondents or 30.51% shows

that their vehicles are 16-20 years in service. Thus, 12 out of 59 respondents or 20.34% revealed

that their vehicles are almost 1-5 years in service, 11 out of 59 respondents or 18.64% shows that

their vehicles are 6-10 years and 11-15 years respectively. 3 out of 59 respondents or 5.08%

shows that their vehicles are in 21-25 years in service. The least number of vehicular in service

with 26-30 years and 31-35 years both have only 2 out 59 respondents. This implies that most of
the Jeepney drivers of Daraga-Legazpi route have a vehicle with 16-20 years in service. (need ng

normal years the vehicle in service, bad effects kng luma na ang jeep)

Body Mass Index (BMI). The results gained that majority of the Jeepney drivers were

within the normal range which accounts for 35 out of 59 respondents or 59.32%. And 3 out of 59

respondents fall were under normal weight which is 5.08%. It can be concluded that these

workers may be malnourished and develop compromised immune function, respiratory disease,

digestive diseases, etc. The remaining 21 jeepney drivers were overweight. This is important in

determining the health status of an individual. People who are underweight or overweight,

compared to those with a normal or healthy weight, are at increased risk for many serious

diseases and health conditions such as high blood pressure (Hypertension), type 2 diabetes and

coronary heart disease.1

 Table 2
Health Information of the Respondents in terms of Diagnosed and Non-Diagnosed Health Problems

DARAGA-LEGAZPI ROUTE
DIAGNNOSED HEALTH PROBLEMS
Freq Percent Rank
GASTROINTESTINAL
Appendicitis 2 3.39 2.5
Gastritis 2 3.39 2.5
Peptic Ulcer 3 5.08 1
MUSCULOSKELETAL
Fractures 2 3.39 1.5
Rheumatism 2 3.39 1.5
RESPIRATORY
Pneumonia 4 6.78 1
Rhinitis 1 1.69 2
SENSORINEURAL
Diabetic Retinopathy 1 1.69 1
GENITO-URINARY
UTI/Bladder infection 5 8.47 1
NON-DIAGNNOSED HEALTH PROBLMES Freq Percent Rank
Cough 39 66.10 2
Poor Eyesight 16 27.12 12
Colds 40 67.80 1
Difficulty of Breathing 4 6.78 16
Eye Redness/irritations 17 28.81 11
Shortness of Breath 3 5.08 17
Headache 36 61.02 3
Loss of Hearing 2 3.39 18
Sore Throat 28 47.46 6
Chest Pain 3 5.08 17
High Blood Pressure 14 23.73 13
Edema 9 15.25 15
Joint Pain 29 49.15 5
Fever 35 59.32 4
Tremors 1 1.69 19
Numbness 35 59.32 4
Cuts, Bruises, Abrasions 2 3.39 18
Diarrhea 21 35.59 8
Scrapes 18 30.51 10
Constipation 9 15.25 15
Pain in the Skin 1 1.69 19
Stomach Ache 20 33.90 9
Skin Rashes 13 22.03 14
Toothache 24 40.68 7
Loss of Appetite 18 30.51 10
Difficulty of Swallowing 3 5.08 17
Back Pain 17 28.81 11
Nausea and Vomiting 1 1.69 19
Diagnosed and Non-Diagnosed Health Problems experienced by Jeepney Drivers

Health problems referred to those symptoms experienced by Jeepney drivers in Legazpi-

Daraga route. Diagnosed health problems are those conditions experienced by Jeepney drivers in

the past 3 years that alter the normal bodily functions. This can also be considered as results of

health problems. Included also in this part of discussion were the diagnosed and non-diagnosed

health problems which the Jeepney drivers believed have relation in their work and the diseases

which they still experience in current situation.

Diagnosed Health Problems

Diseases are known to pose threat to ones life as they cause alterations in ones body. In

this section, diseases are presented according to common body systems affected in a Jeepney

driver. These include gastrointestinal problems, musculoskeletal problems, respiratory problems,

sensorineural problems, and genito-urinary problems.

Gastrointestinal disease

Peptic ulcer topped the list of gastrointestinal disease presented to the respondents with 3

claims out of 59 respondents or 5.08%. Followed by appendicitis and gastritis with the same

number of 2 claims out of 59 respondents or 3.39%. These conditions may arise from a number

of underlying causes. These may be due to eating meals beyond the regular proper time, or

brought about by stress at work. These can also result from ingestion of biological hazards from

the soiled hands of the Jeepney drivers, food being contaminated by biological agents in the

workplace or intake of contaminated water.

Musculoskeletal disease

Fractures and rheumatism are the most common musculoskeletal problems experienced

by the respondents with 4 claims out of 59 respondents or 3.39% respectively. Jeepney drivers

are prone to these types of health problems because of their work. It can be due to the nature of

their job, prolonged hours sitting, working in an uncomfortable body position small size of the

Jeepney that is not appropriate (ergonomic). These studies have directly linked these behaviors

with an increased risk of musculoskeletal diseases of the neck, shoulders, and back. 135

Respiratory disease

The dominating respiratory disease among Jeepney drivers in Daraga-Legazpi route is

pneumonia with 4 out of 59 respondents or 6.78%. Followed by rhinitis with 1 out of 59

respondents or 1.69%. This is experienced by Jeepney drivers who are exposed to dust particles

and smoke belches from passing vehicles.

Sensorineural disease

With regards to sensorineural disease, diabetic retinopathy is the only diagnosed disease

in sensorineural. Having 1 out of 59 respondents or 1.69%.

Genito-urinary disease

5 out of 59 respondents were diagnosed with urinary tract infection. Emptying bladder

frequently can be a lot of help to prevent having such disease. But since Jeepney drivers have
very limited breaks, they tend to hold it as long as they can without knowing that it contributes in

developing the said infection.

Non-Diagnosed Health Problems

Non-diagnosed health problems referred to those common symptoms experienced by

Jeepney drivers.
 Table 3
Maintenance Medication utilized by Jeepney Drivers
MEDICINE Freq Percent Rank

Metformin 1 1.69 1
 Table 5
Health Practices utilized by Jeepney Drivers

YES NO
HEALTH PRACTICES
Freq Percentage Rank Freq Percentage Rank
I am washing hands before eating 55 93.22 4 6.78
meals only at home
I am washing hands before eating 29 49.15 30 50.85
meals even at work
I am using sanitizer/alcohol at work 24 40.68 35 59.32
I am taking a bath before going to 56 94.92 3 5.08
work
I am taking a bath/shower after 25 42.37 34 57.63
work
I am brushing my teeth before 58 98.31 1 1.69
going to work
I am brushing my teeth only when I 54 91.53 5 8.47
got home from work
I am brushing my teeth after eating 20 33.90 39 66.10
meal even at work
I am using mouthwash after 16 27.12 43 72.88
brushing my teeth
I am ensuring my fingernails are 44 74.58 15 25.42
properly and cleanly trimmed
I make sure that my hair is properly 49 83.05 10 16.95
cut to ensure good hygiene
I am using a towel/handkerchief 55 93.22 4 6.78
while coughing
I am putting towel at my back to 45 76.27 14 23.73
prevent sweating
I have a homemade meal for work 19 32.20 40 67.80
(breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner)
I am buying food in the eatery 48 81.36 11 18.64
(breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner)
There are times that I am drinking 39 66.10 20 33.90
liquor at workplace
I am eating less than 3 times a day 45 76.27 14 23.73
I am eating meal at the right time 23 38.98 36 61.02
I dont eat meal at the right time 34 57.63 25 42.37
I am eating fruits regularly 26 44.07 33 55.93
I am eating vegetables regularly 40 67.80 19 32.20
I am bringing my own water in 40 67.80 19 32.20
workplace to ensure rehydration
throughout work period
I prefer buying water along the 30 50.85 29 49.15
street
I can consume 8-12 glasses of water 40 67.80 19 32.20
per day
I am buying carbonated drinks in 50 84.75 9 15.25
the store along the street (soft
drinks, energy, etc drinks)
I am drinking coffee in workplace 45 76.27 14 23.73
I buy candies or bubble gums along 44 74.58 15 25.42
the street
I am getting enough sleep every 40 67.80 19 32.20
night at least 6 hours
I find time in performing simple 39 60.10 20 33.90
stretching after 1 round of driving
I am resting in workplace or take a 35 59.32 24 40.68
nap when Im tired
I am resting when I got home from 47 79.66 12 20.34
work
I often experience body pain 47 79.66 12 20.34
especially back pain after work
I go for a massage in the massage 42 71.19 17 28.81
parlor or ask somebody to do it
I am utilizing available first aid kits 29 49.15 20 33.90
in the working area
I am using topical patches (salonpas 39 66.10 30 50.85
and mentopas) and liniment (omega
pain killer, efficacent oil, katinko,
vicks)
I do not go to work when I am not 43 72.88 16 27.12
feeling well
I am drinking medicine when not 45 76.27 14 23.73
feeling well
I take vitamins supplements or any 39 60.10 20 33.90
herbal medicines
I go to medical check-ups every 35 59.32 24 40.68
month
I make time to exercise at least 2-3x 25 42.37 34 57.63
a week
I play music while driving 31 52.54 28 47.46
I have with me small electric fan or 29 49.15 30 50.85
fan
I am wearing cap whenever its hot 38 64.41 21 35.59
I am using protective covering to 27 45.76 32 54.24
my arms to prevent exposure to
sunlight
I am not going to work when there 19 32.20 40 67.80
is heavy rain the whole day
My vehicle has a proper cover so 34 57.63 25 42.37
that I wont get wet during rainy
days
I am using jacket or any thick 44 74.58 15 25.42
clothes during cold or rainy days
I am using closed shoes while 44 74.58 15 25.42
driving
I prefer using slippers while driving 34 57.63 25 42.37
I urinate whenever I feel urinating 29 49.15 30 50.85
in the public restroom
I hold on my urine even I feel 27 45.76 32 54.24
urinating until I went home
Sometimes I spit anywhere while 22 37.29 37 62.71
driving
I have a container for spitting 19 32.20 40 67.80
I wear mask to protect myself from 19 32.20 40 67.80
air pollution
I have a piercing or tattoo in my 20 33.90 39 66.10
body
I am smoking before working 15 25.42 44 74.58
I sometimes smoke while driving 14 23.73 45 76.27
I am using sunglasses while driving 20 33.90 39 66.10
I am using prescribed glasses 25 42.37 34 57.63
I sometimes use cell phone or any 21 35.59 38 64.41
gadgets while driving
I wear wristwatch in workplace to 18 30.51 41 69.49
be aware of the time
I am using gloves while driving 19 32.20 40 67.80
I am putting a padded seat to 34 57.63 25 42.37
prevent back problems
I am using seat belt while driving 41 69.49 18 30.51
I am using rags while driving 45 76.27 14 23.73
I have with me coin or bill box so 38 64.41 21 35.59
that I can put the fare of the
passengers
I prefer holding the money while 37 62.71 22 37.29
driving
I have a garbage bag with me while 50 84.75 9 15.25
driving
I am checking the maintenance of 54 91.53 5 8.47
the jeepney regularly
I am attending to orientation that 54 91.53 5 8.47
gives instructions regarding the
dos and donts in the workplace