@article{ref1,
title="Prevalence of sleepiness while driving four-wheel motor vehicles in Fiji: a population-based survey (TRIP 9)",
journal="Injury prevention",
year="2013",
author="Herman, Josephine and Ameratunga, Shanthi N. and Wainiqolo, Iris and Kafoa, Berlin and Robinson, Elizabeth and McCaig, Eddie and Jackson, Rod",
volume="19",
number="4",
pages="271-275",
abstract="INTRODUCTION: Sleepiness has been shown to be a risk factor for road crashes in high-income countries, but has received little attention in low- and middle-income countries. We examined the prevalence of sleepiness and sleep-related disorders among drivers of four-wheel motor vehicles in Fiji. METHOD: Using a two-stage cluster sampling roadside survey conducted over 12 months, we recruited a representative sample of people driving four-wheel motor vehicles on the island of Viti Levu, Fiji. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire sought self-report information on driver characteristics including sleep-related measures. RESULTS: The 752 motor vehicle drivers recruited (84% response rate) were aged 17-75 years, with most driving in Viti Levu undertaken by male subjects (93%), and those identifying with Indian (70%) and Fijian (22%) ethnic groups. Drivers who reported that they were not fully alert accounted for 17% of driving, while a further 1% of driving was undertaken by those who reported having difficulty staying awake or feeling sleepy. A quarter of the driving time among 15-24-year-olds included driving while sleepy or not fully alert, with a similar proportion driving while chronically sleep deprived (ie, with less than five nights of adequate sleep in the previous week=27%). Driving while acutely or chronically sleep deprived was generally more common among Fijians compared with Indians. CONCLUSIONS: Driving while not fully alert is relatively common in Fiji. Sleepiness while driving may be an important contributor to road traffic injuries in this and other low- and middle-income countries.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1353-8047",
doi="10.1136/injuryprev-2012-040570",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/injuryprev-2012-040570"
}