Truck drivers' perceptions on wearable devices and health promotion: a qualitative study

Artificial Intelligence and Occupational Health and Safety, Benefits and Drawbacks

This paper discusses the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on occupational health and safety. Although the integration of AI into the field of occupational health and safety is still in its early stages, it has numerous applications in the workplace. Some of these applications offer numerous benefits for the health and safety of workers, such as continuous monitoring of workers' health and safety and the workplace environment through wearable devices and sensors. However, AI might have negative impacts in the workplace, such as ethical worries and data privacy concerns. To maximize the benefits and minimize the drawbacks of AI in the workplace, certain measures should be applied, such as training for both employers and employees and setting policies and guidelines regulating the integration of AI in the workplace.

Digital Innovations for Occupational Safety: Empowering Workers in Hazardous Environments

BACKGROUND

The quest to increase safety awareness, make job sites safer, and promote decent work for all has led to the utilization of digital technologies in hazardous occupations. This study investigated the use of digital innovations for safety and health management in hazardous industries. The key challenges and recommendations associated with such use were also explored.

METHOD

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, a total of 48 studies were reviewed to provide a framework for future pathways for the effective implementation of these innovations.

FINDINGS

The results revealed four main categories of digital safety systems: wearable-based systems, augmented/virtual reality-based systems, artificial intelligence-based systems, and navigation-based systems. A wide range of technological, behavioral, and organizational challenges were identified in relation to the key themes.

CONCLUSION

Outcomes from this review can inform policymakers and industrial decision-makers about the application of digital innovations for best safety practices in various hazardous work conditions.

Perceived Factors Influencing Blue-Collar Workers' Participation in Worksite Health Promotion Programs in Freight Transport: A Qualitative Investigation Using the TDF and COM-B

Blue-collar workers in the freight transport industry report a high risk of developing chronic diseases, partly due to an unhealthy lifestyle. Worksite health promotion programs (WHPPs) may be able to promote a healthier lifestyle, but participation among blue-collar workers in these programs is generally lower than among other workers. The current study aimed to further examine factors that can explain participation of blue-collar workers in these programs. A pragmatic, qualitative study was conducted, and semi-structured interviews were held with 32 blue-collar workers in freight transport in the Netherlands (94% men, 81% driver, mean age 48 (SD = 11)). The interview guide was based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model, and was used to assess perceived determinants that influence participation. A combination of framework analysis and thematic analysis was conducted, which yielded the following nine main themes: (i) not being aware of WHPPs on offer, (ii) no clear picture of what to expect, (iii) (not) giving priority to health, (iv) expecting feedback and practical support, (v) being open and ready to change, (vi) preferring to be self-dependent, (vii) being offered a practical, fun and joint WHPP, (viii) having an employer who cares, thinks along and facilitates participation, and (ix) working and living in an environment in which a healthy lifestyle is not the norm. With these insights we were able to formulate recommendations to enhance the participation of blue-collar workers in WHPPs.

Exploring wearable technology use and importance of health monitoring in the hazardous occupations of first responders and professional drivers

OBJECTIVES

Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) pose risks to the health and safety of professionals involved with transportation and emergency responses. Two distinct occupational groups that encounter HAZMAT events are first responders and professional drivers. Wearable technology is a tool that can assist with monitoring the health of professionals involved in HAZMAT events. The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the perceptions of first responders and professional drivers on wearable technology and attitudes toward health monitoring.

METHODS

A survey was administered to first responders (n = 112) and professional drivers (n = 218). Statistical approaches included bivariate analysis, latent class analysis, logistic regression analysis, and path analysis for the variables of interest.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between the groups in perceptions of the benefits of monitoring certain health indicators. Professional drivers were more likely to have a history of wearable technology use compared with first responders (odds ratio [OR] = 10.1; 95% CI, 4.42-22.9), reported greater exposure to HAZMAT (OR = 4.32; 95% CI, 2.24-8.32), and were more willing to have their health data monitored by someone other than themselves (OR = 9.27; 95% CI, 3.67-23.4). A multinomial regression model revealed that occupation was not a significant predictor of class preference for acceptance of monitoring specific health indicators.

CONCLUSIONS

Occupation appeared to be important but further analysis uncovered that characteristics of individuals within the occupations were more salient to the use of wearable technology. HAZMAT exposure, someone else monitoring health data, and experience with wearable technology use were found to be important factors for perceptions about benefits of health monitoring with wearable technology.

Advantages and disadvantages of mobile applications for workplace health promotion: A scoping review

Different interventions and methods are used for workplace health promotion (WHP) programmes, including mobile applications (apps), which have proven effective among different health outcomes if properly communicated and developed. However, knowledge is lacking on the potential advantages and disadvantages of using this technology for WHP compared with nontechnical WHP programmes to support employers in their decision making and effective development of such an intervention. To obtain an overview of factors that decision-makers should consider when deciding whether to implement an WHP app, we conducted a scoping review of studies that have evaluated WHP apps. Potential advantages and disadvantages of using mobile apps for WHP were summarised using a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis. Articles were included if they focussed on a WHP app, were published between 2007 and 2022 in German or English, and evaluated an app for the general employee population. Altogether, 38 studies were included in the review, demonstrating WHP apps' effectiveness among various use cases in terms of content, e.g., mindfulness or sleep, and target groups, e.g., office workers, nurses or pilots. Strengths were found in the context of adoption, convenience for users, the targeted employee group's reach and cost-effectiveness. However, the review also identified some disadvantages in apps, including technical difficulties and usage barriers, as well as challenges, e.g., privacy issues and maintenance costs. Generally, our review found that different factors need to be considered when deciding whether to implement a WHP app based on the individual company situation, e.g., shift work, content to be communicated, and expectations for health parameter screening, among many others. By summarising recent literature on WHP apps, this review uses scientific knowledge to give employers an overview of potential factors to consider in their decision making.

Program Evaluation of Fit to Pass®, a Remotely Accessible Health Promotion Program for Commercial Motor Vehicle Truck Drivers

BACKGROUND

Chronic health conditions are highly prevalent among truck drivers due to many unique occupational and environmental stressors. Health promotion programs are shown to be effective in improving truck driver health outcomes; however, there is no research on whether such programs can increase the length of a driver's Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certificate. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate Fit to Pass (FTP), a remotely accessible health promotion program available for truck drivers on improved health outcomes and increased DOT medical certificate length.

METHOD

Program evaluation included an evaluation of the FTP coaching guide against evidence-based practice guidelines. An analysis of a limited dataset of 22 truck driver records examined the effectiveness of the program in achieving improved health outcomes and increased medical certification length.

FINDINGS

A review of the literature revealed three major themes: (a) motivational interviewing to increase driver intention and self-efficacy; (b) mobile health care technology to connect hard-to-reach truck drivers; and (c) effectiveness of structured multicomponent health promotion programs. After participation in FTP, truck drivers experienced a mean decrease in weight and body mass index (BMI) of 4.6 lbs and 1.3 kg/m2, respectively. The lengths of initial DOT medical certificates were compared with DOT medical certificates received at the time of recertification (post-FTP). Only eight participants had the potential for improvement in certificate length. Of those, three truck drivers achieved an increased DOT medical certificate length at the time of recertification.

CONCLUSION/APPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE

FTP offers tailored and comprehensive health coaching for truck drivers using current evidence-based practice guidelines to educate and reinforce healthy lifestyle habits. Analysis of a limited dataset revealed a mean decrease in BMI and a trend of increased DOT medical certification lengths after participation in FTP; however, further research with larger sample sizes is recommended.

Proceedings of a roundtable event 'Workplace Diet and Health - priorities for researchers and practitioners'

Understanding how the work environment impacts health behaviours is essential to a life course approach in public health nutrition. A roundtable event 'Workplace Diet and Health - priorities for researchers and practitioners' was held by the Nutrition Society in October 2022. The overarching aims of the roundtable event were to consider (i) the relevance of nutritional wellbeing for employers and organisations, (ii) the research priorities for workplace diet and health and (iii) how researchers and practitioners can work with stakeholders in the development and testing of workplace diet and health interventions and nutritional education. Participants represented a range of stakeholders including dietetic and nutrition professionals working in workplace health, academics and science communication with an interest in workplace diet and health, non-governmental organisations and providers of workplace nutritional health and wellbeing programmes. All roundtable participants agreed that good nutrition and access to healthy food at work was part of corporate responsibility comparable to that of health and safety provision. It was recognised that nutritional wellbeing was not seen as a priority by many companies due to the complexity and wide range of employee health and wellbeing options available and the perceived lack of clear financial benefit. Three priority areas were identified and agreed upon by roundtable participants: (1) strengthening the evidence base to demonstrate the tangible benefit of nutritional wellbeing interventions in the workplace, (2) creating a knowledge exchange hub to share best practices and experiences of working across sectors and (3) expand stakeholder engagement in workplace nutritional wellbeing.

Towards targeted dietary support for shift workers with type 2 diabetes (Shift-Diabetes study): A mixed-methods case study protocol

BACKGROUND

Blood glucose is higher in people working night shifts compared to day workers. Changes to eating behaviour, activity and sleep patterns in addition to circadian disruption are likely to impact glucose management in night-shift workers with type 2 diabetes.

AIM

To investigate current dietary intake and glucose variability during night work, including barriers and facilitators to dietary behaviour in this context.

METHODS

A mixed-methods case study will be conducted. Shift workers with type 2 diabetes working in a hospital setting will be recruited to this two-part study. Part 1: 70 participants will complete a 10-day observational study collecting data on continuous glucose, diet (self-report diary), sleep and physical activity during a period covering night work, rest days and non-night workdays. Mean glucose concentration and variability, and the mean healthy diet index score, will be compared between days of night work, non-night work and rest, after adjusting for other individual factors (sleep/physical activity/demographics). Part 2: A sample (n~13) will complete semi-structured interviews based on behavioural science frameworks to explore barriers/enablers to dietary behaviour when working night shifts. This will inform a quantitative survey to explore the generalisability of interview findings.

DISCUSSION

Findings from Part 1 and 2 will be triangulated to identify potential intervention strategies to address key barriers and enablers to healthier eating, and in turn improved glucose control, in shift workers with type 2 diabetes. This will be facilitated through stakeholder consultation and application of behavioural science frameworks. Shift-Diabetes study registration: ISRCTN11764942.

Factors influencing actual usage of fitness tracking devices: Empirical evidence from the UTAUT model

This research investigates factors influencing the actual usage of wearable fitness devices. Based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, the authors propose that privacy concerns, social influence, data accuracy, device engagement, and user efficacy impact the actual usage of wearable fitness devices via performance and effort expectancy. Based on 124 responses using the structural equation approach, most hypotheses were supported. The social influence had the strongest indirect effect through performance expectancy, while user efficacy had the strongest indirect effect through effort expectancy. Data accuracy and device engagement had a positive influence on actual usage and privacy concerns negatively affected the device's use.

Smart Wearable Device Users' Behavior Is Essential for Physical Activity Improvement

BACKGROUNDS

This study aimed to explore the effect on physical activity and sedentary behavior of users of wearable devices, and understand the association between physical activity and behavior.

METHODS

This study conducted a three-arm, randomized controlled trial for 12 weeks. Healthy adults without experience of using a wearable device were recruited and were randomly assigned to a control group with a mobile app and two experimental groups with different smart wearable devices. Data were collected through questionnaires.

RESULTS

No significant effect of group, time, or group-by-time interaction among groups for physical activity, sedentary time, or sleep quality was found. Wearing duration significantly positively predicted changes in low-intensity and total physical activity. The number of times the device was checked negatively predicted a change in sedentary time.

CONCLUSIONS

The behavior of wearable device users is an essential factor for successfully increasing physical activity and decreasing sedentary time.

"I shy away from them because they are very identifiable": A qualitative study exploring user and non-user's perceptions of wearable activity trackers

OBJECTIVE

Wearable activity trackers hold potential as a research tool to increase physical activity. However, long-term wearable adherence is low among users, which may be due to the limited understanding of the factors related to use and relation to health behavior theory. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore the perceptions of wearables among active adult users and non-users. Findings will inform potential barriers and facilitators for the adherence and adoption of wearables through the application of the Self-Determination Theory.

METHODS

Six focus groups were conducted and equally stratified to wearable users (n = 10) and non-users (n = 10). Data were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using an iterative approach creating first-level codes. This was followed by developing second-level codes that allowed for generating themes.

RESULTS

For users, the wearables' feedback provided them with validation, a sense of achievement, and other-determined motivation. Users appreciated the functionality of wearables, particularly with simpler and newer models. They also reported improvements in health behaviors. While both users and non-users had a general positive feeling towards wearables, they held similar concerns about cost, guilt, dependency, and accuracy. Non-users were unique in their concerns for materialism and functionality (i.e. ease of use and charge) associated with wearables. They also seemed to be more intrinsically motivated to be physically active by relying less on external sources of motivation as potentially provided by wearables.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings show that while both adult users and non-users held positive perceptions of wearables and concerns for feelings of guilt and dependency, widespread adoption and adherence may be prevented by differences in motivation for physical activity and concerns for cost, materialism, and functionality.

Working nights and lower leisure-time physical activity associate with chronic pain in Southern African long-distance truck drivers: A cross-sectional study

Background

In South Africa, the trucking industry employs over 70,000 people and the prevalence of chronic pain in this occupational group was reported at 10%. We investigated factors associated with chronic pain in truck drivers including mental health, physical activity, and sleep, as no study has done so.

Methods

Southern African male, long-distance truck drivers were recruited at truck stops in Gauteng and Free State Provinces, South Africa (n = 614). Chronic pain was defined as pain present for at least the last three months. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, post-traumatic stress disorder with the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), exposure to traumatic events with the Life Events Checklist-5 (LEC-5) and daytime sleepiness with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Sleep quality was measured on a four-point Likert scale. Leisure-time physical activity was measured using the Godin-Shephard leisure-time physical activity questionnaire. Associations between these factors, demographic factors and chronic pain were investigated.

Results

Multivariate analysis showed that working ≥ 2 nights/week (OR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.55–4.68) was associated with chronic pain and physical activity was protective (OR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–0.98). In an exploratory analysis, greater depressive symptoms (p = 0.004), daytime sleepiness (p = 0.01) and worse sleep quality (p = 0.001) was associated with working ≥ 2 nights/week. Lower leisure-time physical activity was associated with worse sleep quality (p = 0.006), but not daytime sleepiness or depressive symptoms (p>0.05).

Conclusions

There is a clear relationship between working nights and activity levels, and chronic pain, sleep quality, and depression in truck drivers.

Developments in Privacy and Data Ownership in Mobile Health Technologies, 2016-2019

OBJECTIVES

To survey international regulatory frameworks that serve to protect privacy of personal data as a human right as well as to review the literature regarding privacy protections and data ownership in mobile health (mHealth) technologies between January 1, 2016 and June 1, 2019 in order to identify common themes.

METHODS

We performed a review of relevant literature available in English published between January 1, 2016 and June 1, 2019 from databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, as well as relevant legislative background material. Articles out of scope (as detailed below) were eliminated. We categorized the remaining pool of articles and discrete themes were identified, specifically: concerns around data transmission and storage, including data ownership and the ability to re-identify previously de-identified data; issues with user consent (including the availability of appropriate privacy policies) and access control; and the changing culture and variable global attitudes toward privacy of health data.

RESULTS

Recent literature demonstrates that the security of mHealth data storage and transmission remains of wide concern, and aggregated data that were previously considered "de-identified" have now been demonstrated to be re-identifiable. Consumer-informed consent may be lacking with regard to mHealth applications due to the absence of a privacy policy and/or to text that is too complex and lengthy for most users to comprehend. The literature surveyed emphasizes improved access control strategies. This survey also illustrates a wide variety of global user perceptions regarding health data privacy.

CONCLUSION

The international regulatory framework that serves to protect privacy of personal data as a human right is diverse. Given the challenges legislators face to keep up with rapidly advancing technology, we introduce the concept of a "healthcare fiduciary" to serve the best interest of data subjects in the current environment.

Proposal for the User-Centered Design Approach for Health Apps Based on Successful Experiences: Integrative Review

Background

Different strategies encompassed within mHealth have shown themselves to be effective for maintaining good health or controlling certain diseases. However, there is usually a very high rate of abandonment of health apps. Therefore, it would seem obvious that there is a need for involving the end users (whether they are health professionals, patients, or both) in the design process from the early stages in order to enable their needs and characteristics to be identified. In this sense, it is common knowledge that focusing on the user permits the consideration of valuable details aimed at making the correct adjustment between the patient, the technology, and the organization of attention.

Objective

The goal of the research was to propose a methodology based on the review of previous successful user experiences in setting up health apps by using qualitative techniques (focus groups and discussion groups) that includes the participation of information technology and health professionals and the patients themselves.

Methods

An integrative review was made of studies in which a qualitative methodology was employed mainly through focus and/or discussion groups for the design and development of health apps, consulting diverse databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Proquest) with the following search strategy: “mHealth AND apps AND focus group OR discussion group.” A total of 69 papers were included in the review.

Results

A proposal structured in 4 sessions of variable duration was made in which information technology and health professionals and patients take part: composing, preparing, and organizing contents (session 1); testing structure and usability (session 2); does the app fit the needs of end users? (session 3); and last testing—keep on improving (session 4). Throughout the sessions, we propose studying aspects like previous user experiences in mHealth, barriers to the adoption of mHealth, interface contents, management and browsability, usability, perceived quality, security and privacy, capacity to self-manage disease with the app, ergonomics, and glanceability, etc. Specific tools that have proved useful in previous research for measuring these aspects are presented.

Conclusions

These work sessions would be based on predominantly qualitative methodologies although, as they evolve, validated questionnaires permitting the assessment of the objectivity of certain technical aspects could be incorporated. With this proposal, a project centered on end users could be effected, responding to their needs. However, this requires validation that will be made via implementation in the development of health apps, with the subsequent measurement of results in terms of adherence and improvement in the clinical variables of the end users.

Enhancing physical activity knowledge exchange strategies for Canadian long-haul truck drivers

Purpose

Canadian long-haul truck drivers lead sedentary lives, but are receptive to receiving physical activity information to address health risks. This study examined how Canadian long-haul truck drivers would like to receive physical activity information in order to improve their overall health. The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) explore barriers Canadian long-haul truck drivers have to receiving and using physical activity information and 2) understand how physical activity information should be structured and delivered to these drivers to overcome these barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 Canadian long-haul truck drivers. Drivers had, on average, 14.3 years of professional long-haul driving experience.

Findings

Few drivers had received any physical activity information. Drivers discussed a culture where they perceived both employers and drivers to be lacking awareness of the importance of physical activity and its impact on health. Drivers explained they were too busy, stressed or tired to be active or to learn about physical activity. Information received by some drivers on this topic was too general to be helpful in changing physical activity behaviours. Drivers mentioned that personalized and accessible physical activity information should be provided to them through multiple methods by their employers, as an aspect of occupational health and safety.

Practical implications

Future physical activity information strategies should use both passive and interactive mediums to promote physical activity to Canadian long-haul truck drivers.

Originality/value

This is the first study to assess how Canadian long-haul truck drivers would like to receive trustworthy information that can lead to healthful improvements in physical activity behaviour.

The Perceived Value of Reducing Sedentary Behavior in the Truck Driving Population

Purpose: To conduct rapid qualitative analysis early in the intervention design process to establish the perceived value of reducing sedentary behavior in the truck driver population.

Methods: A rapid assessment process for qualitative data collection was used to examine managerial and employee perceptions quickly and iteratively to inform intervention design. Managerial insights were collected during semi-structured interviews and employee insights were collected via an online survey and focus group. Thematic analyses were guided by the constructs of the Health Belief Model to establish; (a) perceived susceptibility to the health problem; (b) perceived severity of the health problem; (c) perceived benefits of the potential solutions; (d) perceived barriers to adopting the recommended solution; (e) cues to action; and (f) self-efficacy.

Results: Three managers (2 females; 1 male) participated in semi-structured interviews. Seven truck drivers (1 female; 6 males) took part in a focus group. Sixteen survey responses (all male, mean age 49.8 ± 12.4 years, 86% white Caucasian) were collected in total (11 paper based; 6 online). The most important managerial motivators for engagement in an intervention included; improved sleep, alertness and quality of life. The most important employee motivators included; stress reduction (3.3 ± 1.3), improved quality of life (3.3 ± 1.3) and alertness (3.2 ± 1.4). Managerial and employee perspectives indicated that sedentary behavior may be of lower priority than diet and exercise, and may not resonate with the truck driving population as a health risk.

Conclusion: Application of the Health Belief Model indicated a disconnect between the researcher, managerial and employee perspective and the perceived value of a sedentary behavior reduction intervention. Within the truck driving population, researchers should endeavor to include safety as well as health outcomes, use multi-level strategies, design for outcomes of high perceived value and leverage health communication strategies to communicate benefits that resonate with the end-user.

Câncer de boca: conhecimento de motoristas de transportes de carga em um município de Santa Catarina (Brasil)

Objetivo: Caracterizar o conhecimento de um grupo de condutores de transportes de carga sobre câncer de boca. Métodos: Estudo descritivo transversal. A população de referência foram os 52 motoristas de caminhão de uma empresa do município de Itajaí (SC). As informações foram obtidas através da aplicação de questionário estruturado em três campos: características sociodemográficas, domínio atitudinal e domínio cognitivo. Os dados foram submetidos à análise descritiva, mediante a obtenção da frequência (absoluta e relativa). Resultados: Participaram 45 motoristas; todos do sexo masculino, com idade média de 48,2 anos. Quanto à escolaridade, a maior frequência (34,1%) foi para o ensino médio completo. Sessenta por cento não receberam informações sobre câncer de boca, contudo 82,2% demonstraram interesse em participar de atividades educativo-preventivas sobre o tema. Nenhum dos participantes costuma fazer a observação da sua cavidade bucal. Nas questões do campo cognitivo, o melhor desempenho foi para os itens sobre fatores etiológicos, sendo o hábito de fumar o mais destacado. A frequência de respostas erradas foi superior a 75% para a maioria das questões sobre conhecimento. A maior frequência de respostas corretas, no domínio cognitivo, ocorreu entre os participantes que haviam recebido informações sobre o tema do câncer de boca. Conclusão: Os participantes apresentaram importantes lacunas no conhecimento sobre câncer de boca, no entanto, o melhor desempenho foi identificado entre aqueles que haviam recebido, previamente, informações sobre a temática em estudo.

Conductores profesionales y conductores particulares bogotanos: Diagnóstico de condiciones sociodemográficas y de bienestar general [análisis exploratorio]

A pesar de que los accidentes de tráfico son reconocidos mundialmente como un problema de salud pública y que en Colombia representan la segunda causa de muerte violenta, hay una falta de investigación en torno al tema, hecho que señala la importancia de iniciar acciones concretas. En consonancia con lo anterior, el objetivo de la presente investigación fue estudiar dos tipos de población de conductores, un sable, conductores profesionales y particulares en la ciudad de Bogotá, mediante un análisis y comparación de su situación sociodemográfica y de salud general. Con tales fines, una investigación de corte transversal  fue llevada a cabo, en la que participaron 500 conductores (250 profesionales y 250particulares) colombianos entre los 16 y los 72 años de edad. Los resultados revelan que los conductores profesionales tienen más edad, más experiencia de conducción, ingresos salariales inferiores, menores niveles educativos y reportan un mayor número de accidentes en comparación con los conductores particulares. Por su parte, los conductores particulares presentan peores índices de salud, bienestar y menos habilidades en la conducción. Estos hallazgos indican tendencias sociodemográficas y reportadas en la literatura para los conductores profesionales, pero divergen en cuanto a salud y bienestar. En conclusión, se requieren más estudios para aumentar el conocimiento sobre las diferencias entre los tipos de conductores y sobre el papel de los factores de riesgo y de protección con relación a la accidentalidad vial, con miras a su prevención y reducción.

Influence of Manual Labor at Work on Muscular Fitness and Its Relationship With Work Performance

OBJECTIVE

The present study examined the influence of workplace manual labor on measures of muscular fitness, with a secondary aim to investigate the relationship between muscular fitness and work performance in blue-collar (BC) workers.

METHODS

Leg extension isokinetic strength at slow and fast velocities, hamstring and hip-flexor flexibility, and low back muscular endurance were examined in young and older BC workers and white-collar (WC) controls, while work performance was examined in the BC cohort.

RESULTS

There were no differences in muscular fitness variables between BC and WC groups; however, the older men had lower low back muscular endurance (-43.0%) and strength at slow (-9.4%) and fast (-12.7%) velocities. Work performance was associated with strength at fast velocities (r = 0.633) in the older BC workers.

CONCLUSIONS

Leg strength may influence work performance, with higher velocities becoming more important in older workers.

Uptake of health services among truck drivers in South Africa: analysis of routine data from nine roadside wellness centres

BACKGROUND

Long-distance truck drivers are occupationally susceptible to poor health outcomes. Their patterns of healthcare utilisation and the suitability of healthcare services available to them are not well documented. We report on truck driver healthcare utilisation across South Africa and characterise the client population of the clinics serving them for future service development.

METHODS

We analysed anonymised data routinely collected over a two-year period at nine Roadside Wellness Centres. Associations between services accessed and socio-demographic characteristics were assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

We recorded 16,688 visits by 13,252 individual truck drivers (average of 1.26 visits/person) who accessed 17,885 services for an average of 1.07 services/visit and 1.35 services/person. The mean age of truck drivers was 39 years. Sixty-seven percent reported being in stable relationships. The most accessed services were primary healthcare (PHC)(62%) followed by HIV (32%). Low proportions (≤6%) accessed STI,TB and malaria services. Most visits were characterised by only one service being accessed (93%, n = 15,523/16,688). Of the remaining 7% of visits, up to five services were accessed per visit and the combination of TB /HIV services in one visit remained extremely low (<1%, n = 14/16,688). Besides PHC services at the beginning of the reporting period, all service categories displayed similar seasonal utilisation trends(i.e. service utilisation peaked in the immediate few months post clinics opening and substantially decreased before holidays). Across all service categories, younger truck drivers, those with a stable partner currently, and those of South African origin were the main clinic attendees. Older truck drivers (≥40 years) were more likely to access TB and PHC services, yet less likely to access HIV and STI services. Those with stable partners were less likely to access STI and TB services but more likely to access malaria and PHC services. South African attendees were more likely to access PHC, while attendees from other nationalities were more likely to access HIV and malaria services.

CONCLUSIONS

This utilisation analysis shows that tailored services assist in alleviating healthcare access challenges faced by truck drivers, but it underscores the importance of ensuring that service packages and clinics speak to truck drivers' needs in terms of services offered and clinic location.

Key Components in eHealth Interventions Combining Self-Tracking and Persuasive eCoaching to Promote a Healthier Lifestyle: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

The combination of self-tracking and persuasive eCoaching in automated interventions is a new and promising approach for healthy lifestyle management.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify key components of self-tracking and persuasive eCoaching in automated healthy lifestyle interventions that contribute to their effectiveness on health outcomes, usability, and adherence. A secondary aim was to identify the way in which these key components should be designed to contribute to improved health outcomes, usability, and adherence.

METHODS

The scoping review methodology proposed by Arskey and O'Malley was applied. Scopus, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and PubMed were searched for publications dated from January 1, 2013 to January 31, 2016 that included (1) self-tracking, (2) persuasive eCoaching, and (3) healthy lifestyle intervention.

RESULTS

The search resulted in 32 publications, 17 of which provided results regarding the effect on health outcomes, 27 of which provided results regarding usability, and 13 of which provided results regarding adherence. Among the 32 publications, 27 described an intervention. The most commonly applied persuasive eCoaching components in the described interventions were personalization (n=24), suggestion (n=19), goal-setting (n=17), simulation (n=17), and reminders (n=15). As for self-tracking components, most interventions utilized an accelerometer to measure steps (n=11). Furthermore, the medium through which the user could access the intervention was usually a mobile phone (n=10). The following key components and their specific design seem to influence both health outcomes and usability in a positive way: reduction by setting short-term goals to eventually reach long-term goals, personalization of goals, praise messages, reminders to input self-tracking data into the technology, use of validity-tested devices, integration of self-tracking and persuasive eCoaching, and provision of face-to-face instructions during implementation. In addition, health outcomes or usability were not negatively affected when more effort was requested from participants to input data into the technology. The data extracted from the included publications provided limited ability to identify key components for adherence. However, one key component was identified for both usability and adherence, namely the provision of personalized content.

CONCLUSIONS

This scoping review provides a first overview of the key components in automated healthy lifestyle interventions combining self-tracking and persuasive eCoaching that can be utilized during the development of such interventions. Future studies should focus on the identification of key components for effects on adherence, as adherence is a prerequisite for an intervention to be effective.

A Context-Aware S-Health Service System for Drivers

As a stressful and sensitive task, driving can be disturbed by various factors from the health condition of the driver to the environmental variables of the vehicle. Continuous monitoring of driving hazards and providing the most appropriate business services to meet actual needs can guarantee safe driving and make great use of the existing information resources and business services. However, there is no in-depth research on the perception of a driver’s health status or the provision of customized business services in case of various hazardous situations. In order to constantly monitor the health status of the drivers and react to abnormal situations, this paper proposes a context-aware service system providing a configurable architecture for the design and implementation of the smart health service system for safe driving, which can perceive a driver’s health status and provide helpful services to the driver. With the context-aware technology to construct a smart health services system for safe driving, this is the first time that such a service system has been implemented in practice. Additionally, an assessment model is proposed to mitigate the impact of the acceptable abnormal status and, thus, reduce the unnecessary invocation of the services. With regard to different assessed situations, the business services can be invoked for the driver to adapt to hazardous situations according to the services configuration model, which can take full advantage of the existing information resources and business services. The evaluation results indicate that the alteration of the observed status in a valid time range T can be tolerated and the frequency of the service invocation can be reduced.