Transport Personnel Health Cohort (TRAPHEAC): study protocol and methodological considerations
Would you like to find out more about the TRAPHEAC development process?
Discover the key considerations in this article describing the TRAPHEAC protocol.
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1. What is the subject of this study?
This study focuses on the establishment of TRAPHEAC, a cohort of bus drivers in Switzerland. A cohort is a group of people who are followed over time to observe what happens to them. We look at how their health, working conditions and circumstances change over the years. The aim is not to judge individuals, but to understand general trends in order to improve working conditions.
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2. Why did you choose this population?
In 2019, two chance discoveries revealed that bus drivers in Switzerland have higher rates of mortality from lung cancer and suicide compared to other professions. Then, in 2022, a joint survey with the trade unions showed that bus drivers suffer from numerous health problems. This new study follows on from the 2022 survey and will enable us to take the research further.
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3. Why are there so few studies on this subject?
Bus drivers are a difficult group to reach for a cohort study.
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4. What is the aim of this study?
The aim is to establish a cohort of bus drivers in Switzerland in order to study the link between working conditions and health.
In the long term, the aim is to be able to offer targeted preventive measures for bus drivers.
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5. How did you go about setting up this study and obtaining your results?
This project arose from collaboration with federal agencies, the Public Transport Union (UTP) and trade unions.
The project is being promoted through three channels simultaneously:
1. Trade unions, which send information by email to their members and distribute leaflets
2. The Public Transport Union (UTP), which sends the invitation to affiliated companies so that they can pass it on to drivers
3. Institutional social media channels.
The materials contain a link and a QR code to the study’s website, where interested individuals can check their eligibility and register. The eligibility criteria are that participants must have been a driver for at least one year and live in Switzerland (a criterion subsequently removed). To register, interested individuals provide their contact details, read the information about the study and give their electronic consent. Identification data is stored separately from other information. Participants are then sent an email granting them access to the study questionnaire.
A comprehensive questionnaire, covering a wide range of areas (mental and physical health, working conditions, etc.), has been developed using recognised and reliable questionnaires. The questions on working conditions were developed in collaboration with trade unions.
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6. What were the findings, and how do you interpret them?
The data is currently being analysed. The initial results can be found here.
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7. What conclusion did you draw from this?
Based on the initial data collected, we have noticed that participation is lower than expected. This has led us to reflect on this project and how we might improve it.
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8. What were the strengths and limitations of this study?
One of the strengths is that the inclusion questionnaire is very comprehensive, covering a wide range of areas such as working conditions, perceived stress, musculoskeletal disorders and lifestyle. Another strength is the collaboration with various stakeholders in the Swiss public transport sector.
One of the limitations of the project is the length of the questionnaire, which some participants may find too long.
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9. Did this study have any impact?
As the data is still being analysed, it is not yet possible to answer this question. In the long term, the outcome will be the development of targeted prevention programmes designed to improve the health of drivers.
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10. What do you think is the next logical step following this study?
The next logical step is to analyse the data in order to understand the link between working conditions and the health of bus drivers. We will then conduct follow-up surveys to monitor changes in the drivers’ working conditions, health and so on.