Assessment of Body Mass Index (BMI) and General Health Status of Male Auto-Rickshaw Drivers in Garia, Kolkata

Abstract

Background: In India, auto-rickshaw is one of the main modes of public transport in urban and semi-urban areas; however, auto-rickshaw drivers often suffer from various nutritional deficiencies. Objective: The objective of this work is to assess the body mass index (BMI) and the general health status of the auto-rickshaw drivers of the Garia Southern Avenue auto-rickshaw stand (in Kolkata). Method: To achieve this objective, a cross-sectional study has been undertaken, whereby data have been collected in February-July 2018, regarding duration of work, nature of addiction, ownership pattern, general clinical status, BMI and body fat percentage, of 157 male auto-rickshaw drivers, attached to the aforesaid stand, and belonging to the age-group of 18-55 years. Subsequently, the binomial test has been conducted at 5% level of significance.