Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

The Korean Society of Occupational & Environmental Medicine (대한직업환경의학회)
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The Relationship between the Experience of an Accident and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Bus Drivers

버스 운전사의 근무 중 사고경험과 외상 후 스트레스 장애

  • Choi, Won-Seon (Department of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital) ;
  • Cho, Sung-Ae (Korean Transport Workers' Union) ;
  • Kim, Kyeong-Yeon (Department of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital) ;
  • Cho, Young-Seung (Department of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital) ;
  • Koo, Jung-Wan (Department of Preventive Medicine, Catholic Industrial Medical Center, The Catholic University of Korea) ;
  • Kim, Hyoung-Ryoul (Department of Preventive Medicine, Catholic Industrial Medical Center, The Catholic University of Korea)
  • 최원선 (가톨릭대학교 성모병원 산업의학과) ;
  • 조성애 (전국운수산업노동조합) ;
  • 김경연 (가톨릭대학교 성모병원 산업의학과) ;
  • 조영승 (가톨릭대학교 성모병원 산업의학과) ;
  • 구정완 (가톨릭대학교 의과대학 예방의학교실 및 산업의학센터) ;
  • 김형렬 (가톨릭대학교 의과대학 예방의학교실 및 산업의학센터)
  • Published : 2011.06.30
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Abstract

Objectives: Mental fitness issues have recently become a point of dispute in the field of health. Drivers are occupationally in danger of a possible accident, and are also exposed to other factors aside from accidents that threaten their mental health. The purpose of this research is to examine the level and state of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and overall mental fitness in bus drivers. In addition, we wish to understand the various causes that can influence PTSD. Methods: From April 1 to June 30, 2009, taking the region and number of workers into consideration, survey sheets were distributed to selected bus drivers who belonged to the public transportation union. The questionnaire included questions on experiences, details of accidents, the characteristics of the working environment, and the status of mental health. We used the Davidson Trauma Scale to investigate PTSD symptoms and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale to evaluate depression. Results: Regardless of the type of accident, the group of bus drivers with accident experience showed stronger signs of suffering from PTSD. It seemed that the experience of an accident that caused the death of passengers or conflict with passengers were important factors for PTSD. Within the PTSD group, we found more symptoms of depression, and also this group is more likely to take time off work. Conclusions: The experience of an accident threatens the mental health of bus drivers. Since bus drivers are responsible for the safety of many citizens, we must work towards finding ways to protect their mental health.

목적: 버스 운전사들을 대상으로 근무 중 사고경험에 따른 외상 후 스트레스 장애의 유병률 및 관련요인을 알아보고, 외상 후 스트레스 장애가 우울증상 및 근무에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 하였다. 방법: 운수노동조합에 소속되어 있는 버스 운전사 491명을 대상으로 일반적 특성, 승객과의 갈등을 포함하여 근무 중 사고경험 유무, 외상 후 스트레스 장애와 우울증상 등을 포함한 설문조사를 하였으며, 사고 경험과 외상후 스트레스 장애의 관련성, 외상 후 스트레스 장애와 우울증상, 작업손실과의 관련성에 대해 분석하였다. 결과: 사고 경험 종류에 상관없이 근무 중 사고 경험이 있는 군에서 외상 후 스트레스 장애가 의심되는 운전자가 많았으며, 타인이 사망한 사고 경험과 승객과의 갈등이 외상 후 스트레스 장애에 있어 중요한 요인인 것으로 나타났다. 외상 후 스트레스 장애군에서 우울증상을 호소하는 비율이 높았고, 작업손실 및 작업장애일수도 평균적으로 많았다. 결론: 버스 운전사들의 근무 중 사고 경험은 외상 후스트레스 장애와 관련이 있었으며, 이는 우울증상이나 업무에도 영향을 줄 가능성이 있는 것으로 나타났다. 버스는 많은 시민의 안전과 연결되어 있는 만큼 운전사들의 정신건강을 보호할 수 있는 방안이 마련되어야 하며, 실태 조사와 사고 후 관리 프로그램의 개발 및 제공에 대한 관심이 필요하다.

Keywords

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