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Published on: February 2, 2020
Health Risks of American Long-Distance Truckers: Results From a Multisite Assessment
Laura H Bachmann1, Bronwen Lichtenstein, Janet S St Lawrence
1Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Section, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (Dr Bachmann), Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Dr Lichtenstein), Department of Psychology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon (Dr St. Lawrence), Professor Emerita, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi (Dr St. Lawrence), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (Dr Murray), Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina (Dr Murray), Department of Biostatistical Sciences, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (Mr Russell), Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama (Dr Hook).
Long-haul truck drivers face significant health challenges, including higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and smoking. However, sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV rates were lower than the U.S. average.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Long-haul truck driving is a demanding occupation impacting driver well-being.
- Limited opportunities for healthy lifestyle choices are prevalent in this profession.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the general and sexual health status of long-haul truck drivers in the U.S.
- To identify key health indicators and risks within this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 266 truck drivers was recruited from various locations in the southeastern U.S.
- Health assessments included lifestyle factors, body mass index, blood pressure, and biologic samples for cholesterol, diabetes, and sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV testing.
Main Results:
- Drivers exhibited elevated cholesterol levels, smoking rates, obesity, and diabetes compared to national averages.
- Conversely, STI/HIV infection rates were found to be lower than the U.S. average.
Conclusions:
- The truck driving profession presents occupational stressors and lifestyle constraints detrimental to health.
- Implementing stress reduction, wellness programs, and improved food/exercise options at truck stops is recommended to enhance trucker health and public safety.
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