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BACKGROUND: In the US, approximately 1.6 million workers drive heavy and tractor-trailer trucks. This population is reported to have increased risk for nonfatal injuries and numerous chronic diseases and adverse health conditions. However, due to the mobility of truck drivers, particularly long-haul drivers, there are few population-based health studies of this at risk occupational group.
METHODS: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conducted a nationally representative population-based health and injury survey of long-haul truck drivers. The sample population was selected using a three stage sampling process considering interstate highway routes, truck stops and drivers available for interview. Drivers were eligible for survey participation if they had driven a heavy trucks for at least >12 months and took at least one 10-hour rest period away from home during each delivery run. The interviewer- administered personal interview obtained information on health conditions and related risk factors. To calculate BMI, height and weight were measured among respondents completing the personal survey. Those unwilling to participate in the survey were administered a short non-respondent interview. Weighted national age- and sex- adjusted prevalence estimates for health outcomes using SUDAAN. Prevalence of self-reported health conditions and risk factors was compared to the 2010 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) adult working population. The study received both OMB and IRB approvals.
RESULTS: One thousand seven hundred seventy drivers completed either the personal survey (N=1265) or the non-respondent interview (N=405). Respondents worked an average of 16 years as a driver, logging approximately 60 hours the week prior to the survey. Most (94%) respondents were male, ranging in age from 20-80 years. Reported heart disease prevalence among drivers was lower than national estimates but the prevalence of diabetes was more than twice observed among U.S. adult workers. Only 62% had health insurance coverage compared with 83% of NHIS respondents and approximately; 20% delayed needed health care in the 12 months prior to the survey. More than 50% of drivers were current smokers, compared to 19% of the US working population. BMI of drivers ranged from 17.2-61.7. Seventeen percent of drivers were classified as morbidly obese (BMI >40) compared to the weighted national prevalence of 7%.
CONCLUSIONS: Continued health surveillance and targeted interventions for obesity, diabetes and related conditions among long haul truck drivers are necessary to improve the long-term health of this working population.