This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that aimed to determine the prevalence of risk factors of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers in Zamboanga City. A total of 226 PUJ drivers, selected by multistage sampling, participated with consent in the study. Data collection was done using a researcher-administered questionnaire, with weight and height measurements. Based on the data, the mean age of the PUJ drivers included was 45 years old. Majority were male (99.6 %) belonging to the middle-aged group (63.28 %). Among the PUJ drivers, only 5.8% are obese. Majority of the drivers were smokers (73.45 %) and alcoholic drinkers (63.72 %); 31.4% were high risk for OSA based on Berlin Questionnaire. From among the high risk PUJ drivers, 81.7% were snorers and 63.4% had excessive daytime sleepiness, and 52.1% have been involved in a traffic accident in the past five years. This study confirmed a prevalence of risk factors for OSA, particularly age, male sex, obesity, smoking, and alcoholic drinking, among PUJ drivers that is within range of prevalence data in other studies. It is recommended that further confirmatory evaluation be given to those considered to be at a high risk for developing OSA and appropriate treatment should be given to those who have confirmed diagnosis. For future researches, a home-based data collection is recommended. Prevalence studies for OSA risk factors in other target groups are also recommended.

Keyword: Obstructive sleep apnea Public utility jeepney drivers