A study on the subjectivity perception of the risk of cardiovascular disease in male driver workers: Q methodological approach

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to confirm subjective perceptions of cardiovascular disease risk among professional male drivers. Using the Q-methodology, we systematically analyzed and classified subjective perceptions of cardiovascular disease risk among professional drivers, thus identifying characteristics of each type. Q methodology, which is a research method to study people’s subjective points of views, was used. 34 Q-statements (Q-sample) were derived from the Q population (Concourse) and were arranged in rank order by each of 35 participants into a normal distribution grid (from −4 to +4). A QUANL program was used to analyze the collected data. The subjective perceptions of cardiovascular disease risk among professional male drivers were classified into four types: first, the risk detection type; second, the prevention effort type; third, the symptom recognition type; and finally, the risk neglect type. Efforts should be made to maintain the physical and mental health promotion of the subjects, including education on symptoms related to cardiovascular disease, awareness and prevention of high-risk factors and severity, and various efforts. Furthermore, it is necessary to develop and implement tailored health promotion programs for preventing cardiovascular disease, considering the diverse characteristics of professional drivers.

Keywords

• driver
• cardiovascular disease
• risk
• subjective