A retrospective analysis of cardiometabolic health in a large cohort of truck drivers compared to the American working population

Thiese, Matthew S.; Hanowski, Richard J.; Moffitt, Gary; Kales, Stefanos N.; Porter, Richard J.; Ronna, Brenden; Hartenbaum, Natalie; Hegmann, Kurt T.

doi:10.1002/ajim.22795

Cited by 36 publications

(49 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…This survey confirmed the results of other studies regarding an above average BMI in the truck driver population [7,22] and a high prevalence of bad health conditions such as back pain or other [9,23]. European truck drivers driving through Germany appear to be affected by their difficult working conditions in similar ways than drivers in other European countries, the U.S., or Australia [9,17,[23][24][25]. Interestingly, overweight and obese truck drivers did not seem to differ significantly in their food choice patterns which was also found by Whitfield Jacobson and colleagues [14] among U.S. truck drivers.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Food choice patterns of long-haul truck drivers driving through Germany, a cross sectional study

et al. 2019

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Background: Long-haul truck drivers are exposed to unfavorable working conditions affecting their health but information on truck drivers travelling through Europe is missing. The study aimed to describe the populations' characteristics and food choice patterns while working compared with eating patterns at home, taking weight status into account. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using questionnaires in 12 languages conducted at two truck stops in Germany. Results: Among 404 truck drivers of 24 nationalities, only 24% were normal weight while 46% were considered overweight and 30% obese. In regards to their health, more than half reported that they smoked and 32% reported at least one chronic disease. 37% ate their meals often or always at truck stops, while 6% never did so. The most common food items brought from home were fruits (62%) followed by sausages (50.6%), sandwiches (38.7%), selfcooked meals (37%), sweets (35.4%), and raw vegetables (31%). Bivariate analyses revealed differences in food choices during work and at home with more sausages, energy drinks and soft drinks, and canned foods eaten during trips. Fresh vegetables, legumes and fish were more often chosen at home. Available food appliances in trucks appeared to be associated with food choice patterns. Interestingly, food choice patterns and food preparation did not differ significantly across weight categories. Conclusions: The working conditions of professional truck drivers make a healthy lifestyle difficult to follow and appear to influence food choices while working. Particular effort should be taken to improve food choice patterns, food preparation and purchasing possibilities during trips.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Food choice patterns of long-haul truck drivers driving through Germany, a cross sectional study

et al. 2019

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“…4 These factors are likely associated with the high prevalence of obesity, chronic diseases, mental ill health and reduced life expectancies seen in truck drivers in comparison to other occupational groups. 5–8 The health and well-being of professional truck drivers is of public concern given their health impacts the safety of all road users. 6 For example, truck drivers with obesity, cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety or with ≥3 comorbidities have a significantly increased risk of preventable crashes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cardiometabolic risk factors and mental health status among truck drivers: a systematic review

et al. 2020

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ObjectiveThis study aimed to systematically review and summarise the literature on cardiometabolic risk factors, lifestyle health behaviours and mental health status of truck drivers globally to ascertain the scale of these health concerns.DesignSystematic review reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.Data sourcesPubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched in January 2019 and updated in January 2020, from the date of inception to 16 January 2020.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesPapers were included if they (1) reported independent data on truck drivers, (2) included quantitative data on outcomes related to cardiometabolic markers of health, mental health and/or health behaviours, (3) were written in English and (4) were published in a peer-reviewed journal. Grey literature was ineligible for this review.Data extraction and synthesisOne reviewer independently extracted data and assessed methodological quality using a checklist based on the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Quality Assessment tool. 20% were independently assessed for eligibility and quality by a second reviewer. Due to heterogeneity of the outcomes, results were narratively presented.Results3601 titles and abstracts were screened. Seventy-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Truck driving is associated with enforced sedentarism, long and irregular working hours, lack of healthy foods, social isolation and chronic time pressures. Strong evidence was observed for truck drivers to generally exhibit poor cardiometabolic risk profiles including overweight and obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, high blood glucose, poor mental health and cigarette smoking.ConclusionsImproving truck driver health is vital for the longevity of the trucking industry, and for the safety of all road users. The workplace plays a vital role in truck driver health; policies, regulations and procedures are required to address this health crisis.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019124499.

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“…Professional truck drivers (TDs) work in stressful conditions that favor unhealthy lifestyles and medical disorders. Their overall health, and especially their mental health, is very often worse than the general population as a consequence of long driving shifts, disrupted sleep patterns, chronic fatigue, social isolation, compelling service duties, delivery urgency, job strain, low rewards, and unsystematic medical control [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Indeed TDs, especially those who drive long-haul routes, face a multitude of mental health-related risks attributed to the transportation environment [ 11 ] such as, in addition to those indicated above: spending many consecutive days away from home and family, constant time pressure due to demands of “just in time” delivery requirements (high demand and low control), stimulants, alcohol and drug use [ 12 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sleep and Mental Health in Truck Drivers: Descriptive Review of the Current Evidence and Proposal of Strategies for Primary Prevention

Garbarino

Guglielmi

Sannita

et al. 2018

IJERPH

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Background: Professional truck drivers (TDs) are exposed to stressful working (and living) conditions and are vulnerable. They report physical and mental health problems and psychological distress more frequently than the general population and their problems can affect safety on the roads. Actions to improve TDs’ health and reduce the risks of (co-)morbidity or unsafe driving are imperative. Methods: The published studies dealing with the TDs’ sleep habits and mental health were reviewed to define the scenario and organize the preventive strategies proposed thus far. Results: Awareness among TDs of the high risk for health and safety due to (often co-existing) untreated sleep and mental health problems is critical. Alcohol and prescribed or illicit drugs are often misused to compensate for depression, anxiety, job strain, fatigue, and social isolation. Polypharmacy and dependence increase the chance of unsafe behaviors on the road. The TDs’ access to healthcare services is scant, and participation in industry-sponsored wellness programs is limited. Conclusions: Primary prevention is a first unavoidable step to deal with sleep and mental health problems. Educational programs, online support and tele-health assessment/monitoring would help improve the well-being, safety and health of professional TDs and increase safety on the road.

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A retrospective analysis of cardiometabolic health in a large cohort of truck drivers compared to the American working population

Abstract: These data suggest disproportionate increases in poor health among truck drivers from 2005 to 2012.

Cited by 36 publications

References 33 publications

Food choice patterns of long-haul truck drivers driving through Germany, a cross sectional study

Food choice patterns of long-haul truck drivers driving through Germany, a cross sectional study

Cardiometabolic risk factors and mental health status among truck drivers: a systematic review

Sleep and Mental Health in Truck Drivers: Descriptive Review of the Current Evidence and Proposal of Strategies for Primary Prevention

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