The effect of weight loss interventions in truck drivers: Systematic review

Abstract

Introduction Truck driving is the most common vocation among males internationally with a high proportion overweight/obese due to a combination of work and lifestyle factors leading to health complications. With limited studies in this area, this systematic review aimed to identify and describe interventions addressing weight reduction in truck drivers. Methods Five electronic databases were searched, January 2000 to June 2020 (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus). Inclusion criteria: experimental primary studies, long-distance (≥500 kms) truck drivers, peer reviewed publications in English. Weight loss interventions included physical activity, diet, behavioral therapy, or health promotion/education programs. Exclusions: non-interventional studies, medications or surgical interventions. Two independent researchers completed screening, risk of bias (RoB) and data extraction with discrepancies managed by a third. Study descriptors, intervention details and outcomes were extracted. Results Seven studies (two RCTs, five non-RCTs,) from three countries were included. Six provided either counselling/coaching or motivational interviewing in combination with other components e.g. written resources, online training, provision of exercise equipment. Four studies demonstrated significant effects with a combined approach, however, three had small sample sizes (<29). The effect sizes for 5/7 studies were medium to large size (5/7 studies), indicating likely clinical significance. RoB assessment revealed some concerns (RCTs), and for non-RCTs; one moderate, two serious and two with critical concerns. Based on the small number of RCTs and the biases they contain, the overall level of evidence in this topic is weak. Conclusion Interventions that include a combination of coaching and other resources may provide successful weight reduction for truck drivers and holds clinical significance in guiding the development of future interventions in this industry. However, additional trials across varied contexts with larger sample populations are needed.

Revisión sistemática de estudios sobre intervenciones que promueven la salud en conductores profesionales

“…(22) Lo anterior es concordante con otra revisión, que señala que las intervenciones que incluyen una combinación de entrenamiento y otros recursos pueden proporcionar una reducción de peso exitosa para los conductores de camiones y tienen importancia clínica para guiar el desarrollo de futuras intervenciones en esta industria. (25) Esto adquiere especial importancia, puesto que se ha descrito a las enfermedades no transmisibles entre los conductores, por ejemplo, de autobuses, como una amenaza creciente que genera una carga sustancial en el sistema y servicios de salud. (26) En cuanto al control del ambiente, una exposición a entornos ambientales con naturaleza puede hacer una contribución a las intervenciones de promoción de la salud y el bienestar.…”

Drivers with and without Obesity Respond Differently to a Multi-Component Health Intervention in Heavy Goods Vehicle Drivers

“…Several weight-loss interventions have previously been conducted on truck drivers [ 39 ]. However, before the SHIFT cluster RCT, just two RCTs had been undertaken [ 5 , 40 ] with only one non-RCT demonstrating long-term effectiveness for reducing body weight [ 41 ].…”

Unravelling the Complexity of Irregular Shiftwork, Fatigue and Sleep Health for Commercial Drivers and the Associated Implications for Roadway Safety

“…It is widely acknowledged in the literature that the trucking industry needs outreach and intervention initiatives aimed at impacting driver behaviors to improve long-term health outcomes [ 28 , 33 , 99 , 100 , 101 , 102 , 103 ]. Researchers have offered recommendations and best practices as to what a CMV driver occupational health program should entail [ 15 , 28 , 37 , 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 ]. Characteristics of an effective program include high levels of instrumental support, engendering trust, motivating language, and competent communication [ 101 , 104 , 106 , 107 ].…”

“…An important guiding principle for designing such programs is the need to provide holistic and comprehensive interventions that follow established best practices [ 28 ]. The strengths of fleet wellness programs include providing no-cost services to drivers, providing clinical and physical testing and individualized coaching, offering incentive-based rewards and driver support groups, prioritizing the privacy of health information, and establishing a positive rapport with drivers [ 24 , 37 , 102 , 103 , 105 , 106 ]. There is an ongoing need for further research regarding CMV driver health and safety [ 31 , 108 ] and it has been suggested that more research be directed toward changes in the work structure and framework itself [ 109 ].…”