Exploring Workplace Stress in Urban Mobility: An Analysis of Sri Lankan Bus Conductors Via the Effort-Reward Imbalance Model

Occupational stress among public transport workers, particularly bus conductors, remains underexplored in literature. This cross-sectional study included 524 Sri Lanka Transport Board bus conductors in the Colombo District of Sri Lanka. A culturally adapted effort-reward imbalance (ERI) questionnaire was used to assess stress. Cluster sampling was employed, and Cronbach α was used to indicate reliability. Chi-square tests were used to analyze depot-level variations, and multivariate regression was used to identify stress determinants. The prevalence of occupational stress was 48.3%, with significant depot-level differences ( P < 0.05). Older workers (>40 years) and nonsmokers had significantly lower stress levels, whereas irregular meal patterns (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.24, increased awareness of duty responsibilities (aOR = 4.59) and external challenges (threats) (aOR = 3.49) were significantly associated with increased stress. Systemic ERIs, exacerbated by psychosocial strain and hazardous conditions, emphasize vulnerabilities in conductor roles. Policy interventions should prioritize workplace health promotion programs that integrate stress management and ergonomic enhancement. In the medium term, automated ticketing and passenger conduct regulations can be implemented. In the long term, fair salary revisions and public recognition should be established to sustain the workforce’s motivation.