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Lise F, Shattell M, Garcia FL, Kincl L. Risk Factors for Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases of Long-Haul Truck Drivers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:897. [PMID: 39063474 PMCID: PMC11276728 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21070897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Long-haul truck drivers are responsible for transporting goods valued at millions of dollars of the world economy, and may have their health affected by living and working conditions. This study analyzed and synthesized scientific findings about risk factors for the development of chronic non-communicable diseases in long-haul truck drivers. An integrative literature review was conducted. We identified 23 studies that met the inclusion criteria and evaluated the health of 7363 drivers. The biological risk factors identified were age, gender, race/ethnicity, genetics, and comorbidities, and were considered to be non-modifiable for chronic diseases. The behavioral risks considered to be modifiable were sedentary lifestyle, smoking, alcohol consumption, overweight, diet, stress, anxiety, and unfavorable socioeconomic conditions. Environmental risks involved working conditions such as the following: number of working hours per day, week, and month; time away from home; risk of musculoskeletal injury; and opportunities for rest, hours of sleep, and access to health services. The results were presented in two categories: (1) biological, behavioral, and environmental risks, and (2) general recommendations to promote physical, cognitive, and emotional health. Macro-structural changes are needed to reorganize work and rest, improve access to health services to control modifiable risk factors, and to support behavioral and environmental changes to reduce chronic non-communicable diseases and deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Lise
- Nursing Faculty, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, RS, Brazil
| | - Mona Shattell
- College of Nursing, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32826, USA;
| | - Flávia Lise Garcia
- Anthropology Faculty, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-770, RS, Brazil;
| | - Laurel Kincl
- College of Health, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA;
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Upadhyay R, Kumar A, Bhattacherjee A, Patra AK, Chau N. Reducing musculoskeletal disorders in iron ore mine operators: A fuzzy-based intervention approach. Work 2024; 78:131-152. [PMID: 38517835 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study focuses on evaluating the exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) and association of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) with various risk factors among dumper operators in the mining industry. Despite the issue's significance, prior research has been limited. OBJECTIVE The study introduces a novel fuzzy-based approach for identifying, selecting, and prioritizing safety measures to mitigate MSD risks. METHODS Data collection comprised face-to-face interviews, anthropometric measurements, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) scoring for posture assessment, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire for assessment of MSD prevalence. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to analyse the contributing risk factors to MSDs and WBV exposure. These risk factors formed the basis for a practical approach to select appropriate safety measures based on fuzzy based aggregation method of expert's judgment aimed at mitigating the risk of MSDs. RESULTS The results revealed that the risk factors such as poor work posture, WBV exposure and poor seat design were significantly associated with neck (adjusted odds ratio aOR = 4.81), upper limb and shoulder (aOR = 3.28), upper back (aOR = 5.09), and lower back pain (aOR = 3.67) at p < 0.05. Using these factors to formulate safety measures to reduce MSD risk, the minimization of sharp turns and abrupt changes in elevation in designing the haul roads, scheduled maintenance practices, and ergonomic seat design were found as important safety measures in this study. CONCLUSION Our unique methodological approach in occupational health research could be highly beneficial for tailoring safety measures at the unit level with minimal effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Upadhyay
- Department of Mining Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Department of Mining Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
| | - Ashis Bhattacherjee
- Department of Mining Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
| | - Aditya Kumar Patra
- Department of Mining Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
| | - Nearkasen Chau
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research (Inserm), Paris, France
- University Paris-Sud and University Paris Descartes, UMR, Paris, France
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Heaton K, Kham-Ai P, Shattell M. Sleep, mental health, and access to health care of women truck drivers. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract 2024; 36:38-45. [PMID: 38038951 DOI: 10.1097/jxx.0000000000000970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The numbers of women in trucking are growing steadily, yet because they represent a minority group, little is known about their health issues. Most studies of truck drivers have focused on the mental and physical health, sleep, and health care access of male truck drivers. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to characterize chronic stress, sleep, and mental health service and overall access to care among women truck drivers. METHODOLOGY Twenty-five female truck drivers were a subsample of participants from a larger parent study of truck drivers. After approval from the institutional review board, participants completed a 59-item Qualtrics survey; data were transferred from Qualtrics to SPSS v. 24 for analysis. RESULTS No acute sleepiness or excess daytime sleepiness was observed, but participants only slept 6 hr per night, and all experienced poor sleep quality. Although 28% of participants met or exceeded the threshold score for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), only 8% sought care for feelings of upset or distress. Also, 80% of the women had health insurance, yet there were those who did not seek care because of job-related conflicts. CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS Participants were sleep deprived and experienced poor-quality sleep. Mental health and other health services utilization was low. Implications for practice include consideration of telehealth services to improve health care access and screening and referral as needed to mental health care providers by Department of Transportation medical examiners. Future research should include younger women truck drivers to determine the potential contribution of perimenopause/menopause to some of the health issues experienced by this group of workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Heaton
- Faculty, Occupational Health Nursing, Deep South Center for Occupational Health and Safety, School of Nursing, Adult/Acute Health, Chronic Care and Foundations, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Prasert Kham-Ai
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Mona Shattell
- Department of Nursing Systems, Hugh F. and Jeannette G. McKean Endowed Chair, College of NursingAcademic Health Sciences Center University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
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Pritchard E, van Vreden C, Xia T, Newnam S, Collie A, Lubman DI, de Almeida Neto A, Iles R. Impact of work and coping factors on mental health: Australian truck drivers' perspective. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1090. [PMID: 37280567 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15877-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Truck driving is one of the most common male occupations worldwide. Drivers endure long working hours, isolation, separation from family, compromised sleep, and face rigid regulatory requirements. Studies have documented the work factors contributing to poor health outcomes, however these have not been explored in the Australian context. The aim of this grounded theory study was to explore the impact of work and coping factors on mental health of Australian truck drivers from their perspective. METHODS Recruitment used a purposive snowball sampling, through social media campaigns and direct email invites. Interview data were collected via phone/teleconference, audio recorded and typed verbatim. Inductive coding and thematic analysis were completed with triangulation of themes. RESULTS Seventeen interviews were completed (94% male). Six themes arose, two supporting (Connections; Coping methods), and four disrupting mental health (Compromised supports; Unrealistic demands; Financial pressures; Lack of respect). Drivers had concerns regarding the many things beyond their control and the interactions of themes impacting their health even further. CONCLUSION This study explored the impact of work and coping factors affecting truck driver mental health in Australia. Themes described the importance of connections and coping methods drivers had to support their health. Many factors that compromised their health were often outside their control. These results highlight the need for a multi-faceted collaboration between stakeholders; the driver, employing companies, policy makers/regulators and the public to address the negative impact of truck driving on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Pritchard
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Caryn van Vreden
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ting Xia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sharon Newnam
- Monash University Accident Research Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alex Collie
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Dan I Lubman
- Turning Point, Eastern Health and Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Ross Iles
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Lee P, Xia T, Zomer E, van Vreden C, Pritchard E, Newnam S, Collie A, Iles R, Ademi Z. Exploring the Health and Economic Burden Among Truck Drivers in Australia: A Health Economic Modelling Study. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2023; 33:389-398. [PMID: 36357754 PMCID: PMC9648998 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-022-10081-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Background The transport and logistics industry contributes to a significant proportion of the Australian economy. However, few studies have explored the economic and clinical burden attributed to poor truck driver health. We therefore estimated the work-related mortality burden among truck drivers over a 10-year period. Methods Dynamic life table modelling was used to simulate the follow-up of the Australian male working-age population (aged 15-65 years) over a 10-year period of follow-up (2021-2030). The model estimated the number of deaths occurring among the Australian working population, as well as deaths occurring for male truck drivers. Data from the Driving Health study and other published sources were used to inform work-related mortality and associated productivity loss, hospitalisations and medication costs, patient utilities and the value of statistical life year (VoSLY). All outcomes were discounted by 5% per annum. Results Over 10 years, poor truck driver health was associated with a loss of 21,173 years of life lived (discounted), or 18,294 QALYs (discounted). Healthcare costs amounted to AU$485 million (discounted) over this period. From a broader, societal perspective, a total cost of AU$2.6 billion (discounted) in lost productivity and AU$4.7 billion in lost years of life was estimated over a 10-year period. Scenario analyses supported the robustness of our findings. Conclusions The health and economic consequences of poor driver health are significant, and highlight the need for interventions to reduce the burden of work-related injury or disease for truck drivers and other transport workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Lee
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
- School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Melbourne, VIC, 3125, Australia.
| | - Ting Xia
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ella Zomer
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Caryn van Vreden
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Pritchard
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sharon Newnam
- Monash University Accident Research Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alex Collie
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ross Iles
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Zanfina Ademi
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Ren X, Pritchard E, van Vreden C, Newnam S, Iles R, Xia T. Factors Associated with Fatigued Driving among Australian Truck Drivers: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2732. [PMID: 36768095 PMCID: PMC9916394 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatigued driving is one of the leading factors contributing to road crashes in the trucking industry. The nature of trucking, prolonged working time, and irregular sleep patterns can negatively impact drivers' health and wellbeing. However, there is limited research in Australia investigating the impact of demographic, occupational, or lifestyle factors on fatigue among truck drivers. OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional study examines the role of demographic, occupational, lifestyle, and other health risk factors associated with fatigue among Australian truck drivers. METHOD This study was part of a larger study that used a short online survey with a follow-up telephone survey to capture in-depth information on a wide range of determinants related to truck drivers' physical and mental health outcomes. Fatigue was measured by three questions, including the frequency of fatigue, fatigue management training, and strategies used to combat fatigue. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the specific impact of demographics, occupational factors, lifestyle factors, and other health risk factors on fatigue. RESULTS In total, 332 drivers completed both the online and telephone surveys; 97% were male, representing drivers from broad age groups and professional experience. The odds of being in the high-risk fatigue group were nearly three times higher in drivers who worked 40-60 h compared to those who worked < 40 h. Poor sleep increased the odds of high-risk fatigue by seventimes (95% CI: 2.26-21.67, p = 0.001). Drivers who reported experiencing loneliness also had double the odds of being at high risk of fatigued driving. CONCLUSIONS The increased risk of fatigue in truck drivers is associated with prolonged working hours, poor sleep, and social aspects such as loneliness. Further interventions seeking to reduce driver fatigue should consider the impact of work schedules, the availability of quality sleeping spaces, and the level of social connections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Ren
- Healthy Working Lives Research Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Pritchard
- Healthy Working Lives Research Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Caryn van Vreden
- Healthy Working Lives Research Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Sharon Newnam
- Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Ross Iles
- Healthy Working Lives Research Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Ting Xia
- Healthy Working Lives Research Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
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Costa TG, de Oliveira VN, Santos DAT, Viana RB, Andrade MS, Vancini RL, Weiss K, Knechtle B, de Lira CAB. The burden of prolonged sedentary behavior imposed by uberization. SPORTS MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smhs.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
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Mathieu S, Ross V, Wardhani R, Brough P, Wishart D, Chan XW, Kõlves K. Suicide among transport industry workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Scand J Work Environ Health 2022; 48:598-610. [PMID: 36153776 PMCID: PMC10546617 DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.4059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Working in high-stress and male-dominated occupations is associated with an elevated risk of suicide. The current study sought to conduct the first systematic literature review and meta-analysis aimed at determining suicide risk across the diverse, high pressure and male-dominated transport industry (commercial aviation, merchant seafaring, transit/driving) as compared to the general/employed population. METHODS Searches of PubMed/Medline, Scopus and PsycINFO databases were conducted without date restriction until March 2021. Studies were included if they were written in English, were peer reviewed, and presented primary observational research data. Studies referring exclusively to suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, self-harm, and/or accidents were excluded. RESULTS Following deletion of duplicates and non-English titles, a total of 4201 titles/abstracts were screened and 92 full-texts were read against inclusion/exclusion criteria. The final included sample consisted of 23 articles (16 used for meta-analysis). Results from the meta-analysis indicated that transport workers had a significantly elevated risk for suicide as compared to the general/employed population. Results were consistent across sensitivity analyses, and there was some variation across subgroup analyses. CONCLUSIONS Overall, we found transport workers had a significantly higher risk for suicide than the general/employed population, and this appeared to be driven by the association for those working in merchant seafaring/maritime occupations. The findings are discussed in relation to an identified need for the development, implementation, and evaluation of tailored workplace suicide prevention strategies for transport industry workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharna Mathieu
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention & World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Victoria Ross
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention & World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Work, Organisation, and Wellbeing, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rachmania Wardhani
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention & World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Paula Brough
- Centre for Work, Organisation, and Wellbeing, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Darren Wishart
- Centre for Work, Organisation, and Wellbeing, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Xi Wen Chan
- Centre for Work, Organisation, and Wellbeing, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kairi Kõlves
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention & World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
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Chen H, Li H, Pu C, Xu H, Wang T, Du L, Liu X, Li S, Li M. Association between psychological symptoms and illegal driving behaviors in a sample of Chinese private car drivers. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:984860. [PMID: 36311509 PMCID: PMC9606683 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.984860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Findings on the associations between psychological symptoms and driving behaviors in private car drivers are inadequate. METHOD The study consisted of 3,115 private car drivers in Yulin, China. The measurements included socio-demographic data, traffic violations, accidents, and Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). In addition, an ordered logistic regression model was employed to examine the association between each psychological symptom and risky driving behaviors. RESULTS The overall prevalence rate of any self-reported psychological symptom was 10.24%, with 9.22% for males and 11.49% for females. Among them, obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, additional items, hostility, and depression were the five most common psychological symptoms, with prevalence rates of 7.90, 6.29, 6.00, 5.91, and 5.62%, respectively. Any psychological symptom factor was associated with a higher risk of traffic violations and accidents. However, the intensity of the correlations varied, with obsessive-compulsive symptoms the strongest in general traffic violations and anxiety symptoms in traffic accidents. All psychological symptoms except phobic anxiety and paranoid ideation contributed to a higher risk of failing the driver's license test. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence rate of psychological symptoms was high in private car drivers. This study calls for an urgent need to establish a pilot tertiary prevention strategy to reduce risky driving behaviors through psychological symptom screening and interventions among private car drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongguang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Peking University Sixth Hospital (Institute of Mental Health), Ministry of Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Changqin Pu
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hubo Xu
- Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Tingwei Wang
- Yulin Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yulin, China
| | - Ling Du
- The Fourth Hospital of Yulin, Yulin, China
| | - Xiuxiu Liu
- The Second Hospital of Yulin, Yulin, China
| | - Shunfei Li
- Chinese People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mengqian Li
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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