Prevalence and Factors Associated with Excessive Daytime Sleepiness among Long-Distance Bus Drivers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Faith Melchiory Kundy

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.70639

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Excessive Daytime Sleepiness among Long-Distance Bus Drivers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Author(s)	Dr. Faith Melchiory Kundy
Country	Tanzania
Abstract	Background: Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) is a prevalent sleep disorder that is associated with considerable health hazards and an elevated risk of Road Traffic Accidents (RTA). Commercial drivers are especially vulnerable due to their lengthy driving hours and unpredictable sleep patterns. This aimed to determine prevalence of EDS and its factors among long-distance bus drivers at the Ubungo Bus Terminal (UBT) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken at UBT with 250 consenting long-distance bus drivers. Structured questionnaires, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), clinical and anthropometric assessments, and random blood glucose monitoring were used to collect information. EDS characterized as an ESS score of ≥9. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The average age of participants was 43.5 ± 8.6 years, with 99% being male. The prevalence of EDS was 46.8% (117/250). Individuals with EDS had similar clinical and anthropometric characteristics as those without EDS, with the exception of neck circumference, which was borderline significant (p=0.05). EDS and non-EDS participants shared similar substance use tendencies (alcohol, khat, cannabis, and cigarettes). Drivers with EDS had considerably higher rates of major accidents (0.68 vs. 0.46, p=0.04), while rates of minor accidents were comparable. Conclusion: EDS is extremely common among long-distance bus drivers in Dar es Salaam and is linked to an increased risk of catastrophic road traffic incidents. Screening for EDS is necessary, as is the implementation of preventive methods such as driving laws and health promotion initiatives.
Keywords	Excessive Daytime Sleepiness, Long-Distance Bus Drivers, Road Traffic Accidents, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Tanzania
Field	Medical / Pharmacy
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On	2026-03-05
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.70639

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Prevalence and Factors Associated with Excessive Daytime Sleepiness among Long-Distance Bus Drivers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

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