1
|
de Winter J, Driessen T, Dodou D, Cannoo A. Exploring the challenges faced by Dutch truck drivers in the era of technological advancement. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1352979. [PMID: 38726231 PMCID: PMC11080617 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1352979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite their important role in the economy, truck drivers face several challenges, including adapting to advancing technology. The current study investigated the occupational experiences of Dutch truck drivers to detect common patterns. Methods A questionnaire was distributed to professional drivers in order to collect data on public image, traffic safety, work pressure, transport crime, driver shortage, and sector improvements. Results The findings based on 3,708 respondents revealed a general dissatisfaction with the image of the industry and reluctance to recommend the profession. A factor analysis of the questionnaire items identified two primary factors: 'Work Pressure', more common among national drivers, and 'Safety & Security Concerns', more common among international drivers. A ChatGPT-assisted analysis of textbox comments indicated that vehicle technology received mixed feedback, with praise for safety and fuel-efficiency improvements, but concerns about reliability and intrusiveness. Discussion In conclusion, Dutch professional truck drivers indicate a need for industry improvements. While the work pressure for truck drivers in general may not be high relative to certain other occupational groups, truck drivers appear to face a deficit of support and respect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joost de Winter
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Tom Driessen
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Dimitra Dodou
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Aschwin Cannoo
- Transporteffect BV & Chauffeursnieuws, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Doğan S, Bayram GA. Evaluating the effect of daytime sleepiness and sleep quality on balance, fatigue and life quality of shift workers. Work 2024; 77:789-797. [PMID: 37742678 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220700] [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: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changes in the sleep-wake cycle in shift workers can cause many health problems. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between daytime sleepiness and sleep quality on balance, physical activity level, fatigue and quality of life in shift and non-shift workers. METHOD A total of 58 employees, 29 shifts and 29 non-shifts, were included in the study. Data were collected using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Tandem Posture Test, the One-Foot Stand Test, the Ten-Step Tandem Walking Test, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, the Fatigue Severity Scale, and the Nottingham Health Profile. RESULTS Individuals working in shifts had higher fatigue severity and daytime sleepiness levels (p < 0.05), while physical activity levels and sleep quality were lower than those working without shifts (p < 0.05). It was determined that as the daytime sleepiness of individuals working in shifts and non-shifts increased, their quality of life decreased (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION According to the data obtained from the study, individuals working in shifts compared to individuals working without shifts experienced higher levels of daytime sleepiness and fatigue severity level while sleep quality and physical activity level were lower.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Semanur Doğan
- Institute of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gulay Aras Bayram
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hetta. G, Jane. M, Michelle. H, Anna. D, Reuben. R, Greg. K, Andre. JJ, Leslie L, Thomas. M, GF. TK. Impact of HIV on Cognitive Performance in Professional Drivers. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 89:527-536. [PMID: 34974470 PMCID: PMC9058184 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intellectually demanding modern workplace is often dependent on good cognitive health, yet there is little understanding of how neurocognitive dysfunction related to HIV presents in employed individuals working in high-risk vocations such as driving. HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment is also associated with poorer long-term cognitive, health, and employment outcomes. SETTING This study, set in Cape Town, South Africa, assessed the effects of HIV on neuropsychological test performance in employed male professional drivers. METHOD We administered a neuropsychological test battery spanning 7 cognitive domains and obtained behavioral data, anthropometry, and medical biomarkers from 3 groups of professional drivers (68 men with HIV, 55 men with cardiovascular risk factors, and 81 controls). We compared the drivers' cognitive profiles and used multiple regression modeling to investigate whether between-group differences persisted after considering potentially confounding sociodemographic and clinical variables (ie, income, home language, depression, and the Framingham risk score). RESULTS Relative to other study participants, professional drivers with HIV performed significantly more poorly on tests assessing processing speed (P < 0.003) and attention and working memory (P = 0.018). Group membership remained a predictor of cognitive performance after controlling for potential confounders. The cognitive deficits observed in men with HIV were, however, largely characterized as being mild or asymptomatic. Consistent with this characterization, their relatively poor performance on neuropsychological testing did not generalize to self-reported impairment on activities of daily living. CONCLUSION Drivers with HIV may be at risk of poorer long-term health and employment outcomes. Programs that monitor and support their long-term cognitive health are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gouse Hetta.
- HIV Mental Health Research Unit and Neurosciences Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Masson Jane.
- HIV Mental Health Research Unit and Neurosciences Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Henry Michelle.
- Centre for Higher Education Development, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dreyer Anna.
- HIV Mental Health Research Unit and Neurosciences Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Robbins Reuben.
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Science, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Kew Greg.
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Joska John Andre.
- HIV Mental Health Research Unit and Neurosciences Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - London Leslie
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marcotte Thomas.
- HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Thomas Kevin GF.
- ACSENT Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
van Vreden C, Xia T, Collie A, Pritchard E, Newnam S, Lubman DI, de Almeida Neto A, Iles R. The physical and mental health of Australian truck drivers: a national cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:464. [PMID: 35260120 PMCID: PMC8903653 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12850-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The negative health consequences of truck driving are well documented. However, despite the distinct occupational challenges between long- and short-haul driving, limited research has been conducted on how the health profile of these drivers differ. The aims of this study were to characterise the physical and mental health of Australian truck drivers overall, and to identify any differences in factors influencing the health profile of long-haul compared to short-haul drivers. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this cross-sectional study, 1390 Australian truck drivers completed an online survey between August 2019 and May 2020. Questions included validated measures of psychological distress, general health, work ability and health-related quality-of-life. Participants driving 500 km or more per day were categorised as long-haul and those driving less than 500 km as short-haul. RESULTS The majority of survey respondents were classified as either overweight (25.2%) or obese (54.3%). Three in ten reported three or more chronic health conditions (29.5%) and poor general health (29.9%). The most commonly diagnosed conditions were back problems (34.5%), high blood pressure (25.8%) and mental health problems (19.4%). Chronic pain was reported by 44% of drivers. Half of drivers reported low levels of psychological distress (50.0%), whereas 13.3 and 36.7% experienced severe or moderate level of psychological distress respectively. There were a small number of differences between the health of long- and short-haul drivers. A higher proportion of short-haul drivers reported severe psychological distress compared to long-haul drivers (15.2% vs 10.4%, χ2 = 8.8, 0.012). Long-haul drivers were more likely to be obese (63.0% vs 50.9%, χ2 = 19.8, < 0.001) and report pain lasting over a year (40.0% vs 31.5%, χ2 = 12.3, 0.006). Having more than one diagnosed chronic condition was associated with poor mental and physical health outcomes in both long- and short-haul drivers. CONCLUSION Australian truck drivers report a high prevalence of multiple physical and mental health problems. Strategies focused on improving diet, exercise and preventing chronic conditions and psychological distress, that can also be implemented within the unique occupational environment of trucking are needed to help improve driver health. Further research is needed to explore risk and protective factors that specifically affect health in both short-haul and long-haul drivers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caryn van Vreden
- Healthy Working Lives Research Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 2, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia.
| | - Ting Xia
- Healthy Working Lives Research Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 2, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Alex Collie
- Healthy Working Lives Research Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 2, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Pritchard
- Healthy Working Lives Research Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 2, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Sharon Newnam
- Accident Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dan I Lubman
- Turning Point, Eastern Health and Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Ross Iles
- Healthy Working Lives Research Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 2, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ito H, Tsuneki H, Sasaoka T, Toyooka N, Matsuo M, Yamazaki M. Suvorexant and mirtazapine improve chronic pain-related changes in parameters of sleep and voluntary physical performance in mice with sciatic nerve ligation. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264386. [PMID: 35213655 PMCID: PMC8880854 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Both chronic pain and sleep disorders are associated with a reduction in the quality of life. They can be both a cause and a consequence of each other, and should therefore be simultaneously treated. However, optimal treatments for chronic pain-related sleep disorders are not well established. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of suvorexant, a novel sleep drug, and mirtazapine, a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant, on pain-related changes in sleep parameters in a preclinical chronic pain mice model, by partial sciatic nerve ligation. We evaluated the quantity, duration, and depth of sleep by analyzing the electroencephalogram and voluntary activity by counting the number of wheel rotations to determine various symptoms of sleep disorders, including reduced total sleep time, fragmentation, low quality, and impaired activity in the daytime. Suvorexant and mirtazapine normalized the reduction in sleep time and fragmented sleep, further regaining the sleep depth at sleep onset in the chronic pain state in nerve-ligated mice. Mirtazapine also increased the percentage of rapid eye movement sleep in mice. Suvorexant decreased voluntary activity, which was prolonged after administration; however, mirtazapine did not decrease it. Although the effects of suvorexant and mirtazapine on sleep and activity are different, both suvorexant and mirtazapine could be potential therapeutic agents for chronic pain-related sleep disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hisakatsu Ito
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Hiroshi Tsuneki
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Toshiyasu Sasaoka
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Naoki Toyooka
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Matsuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wadley AL, Parker R, Mukhuba VA, Ratshinanga A, Zwane Z, Kamerman PR. South African men and women living with HIV have similar distributions of pain sites. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2022; 14:e1-e9. [PMID: 35144458 PMCID: PMC8832001 DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v14i1.3114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background No studies have investigated sex differences in the location and number of pain sites in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH), despite evidence that women, in general, bear a greater burden of pain than men. Aim To determine sex differences in the location and number of pain sites, and whether there were demographic or disease-related differences in the number of pain sites. Setting South African tertiary hospital HIV clinics and a community healthcare centre Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of records from South African PLWH who had pain. Results Of the 596 participant records, 19% were male (115/596) and the median number of pain sites for both sexes was 2 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1 to 3). Pain was most frequently experienced in the head (men: 12%, women: 38%), feet and ankles (men: 42%, women: 28%), abdomen (men = 19%, women = 28%) and chest (men = 20%, women = 20%). After correcting for multiple comparisons, males were less likely to experience headache than females (Fisher’s exact text, odds ratio [OR] = 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.12 – 0.42, p = 0.000). Pain at other body sites was experienced similarly between the sexes. There was no meaningful variation in the number of pain sites between the sexes (logistic regression, p = 0.157). Conclusion A similar location and number of pain sites were experienced by male and female South African PLWH. The locations of pain sites were different from previous reports, however, suggesting that research into pain in PLWH cannot necessarily be generalised across cultures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonia L Wadley
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Roche J, Vos AG, Lalla-Edward ST, Kamerman PR, Venter WF, Scheuermaier K. Importance of testing the internal consistency and construct validity of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in study groups of day and night shift workers: Example of a sample of long-haul truck drivers in South Africa. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2022; 98:103557. [PMID: 34411851 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Irregular work times promote inconsistent completion of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) among shift workers. We aimed to demonstrate the importance of testing the internal consistency and construct validity of the PSQI and of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) by presenting the methodology in a sample of long-haul truckers in South Africa. Internal consistency of the questionnaires was assessed by Cronbach's alpha (defined as raw alpha≥0.70), and construct validity by factor analysis. 302 participants (49.3%) reported at least one night shift/week. Overall, the PSQI and ESS's alpha were 0.42 and 0.85, respectively. The factors explained 19.6% of 57.0% of the variance. The PSQI's alpha was 0.46 in night shift workers and 0.38 in non-night shift workers. In this occupational group, the PSQI must be used with caution. Testing the internal consistency and construct validity among the assessed population seems necessary. Sleep questionnaires adapted to shift workers should be preferred.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Roche
- Wits Sleep Laboratory, Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy.
| | - Alinda G Vos
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Peter R Kamerman
- Wits Pain Laboratory, Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Wd Francois Venter
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Karine Scheuermaier
- Wits Sleep Laboratory, Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Roche J, Vos AG, Lalla-Edward ST, Venter WDF, Scheuermaier K. Relationship between sleep disorders, HIV status and cardiovascular risk: cross-sectional study of long-haul truck drivers from Southern Africa. Occup Environ Med 2021; 78:oemed-2020-107208. [PMID: 33622782 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2020-107208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Long-haul truck drivers (TDs) may have lifestyles that promote cardiovascular disease (CVD), including diet, sleep and activity issues. Most studies conducted among truckers investigated the relationship between poor sleep and cardiometabolic health, but none assessed whether suspected obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and shortened sleep were associated with markers of cardiometabolic risk. We determined whether sleep disorders and circadian misalignment were associated with chronic inflammation and CVD risk in TDs from Southern Africa. METHODS Participants were recruited at roadside wellness centres in Gauteng and Free State Provinces, South Africa. OSA risk was assessed using the Berlin Questionnaire, while sleep duration and sleep quality were assessed using items from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Clinical information, neck circumference (NC), metabolic profile, elevated BP, HIV status and C-reactive protein (CRP) were collected. CVD risk was assessed using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). RESULTS Out of 575 participants aged on average 37.7 years, 17.2% were at OSA risk, 72.0% had elevated BP, 9.4% had HIV and 28.0% were obese. Mean sleep duration was 7.4±1.8 hours, and 49.6% reported working night shift at least once a week. Shortened sleep, OSA risk, age, body mass index, NC and years as full-time TD were associated with greater FRS independently of HIV status and night shift. Working night shift was associated with higher CRP levels in HIV+ compared with HIV- participants. CONCLUSIONS Circadian misalignment in HIV, and OSA and short sleep duration in all truckers were associated with increased CVD risk. Truckers should be given careful attention in terms of health management and sleep education.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Roche
- Wits Sleep Lab, Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alinda G Vos
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Ezintsha, University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Samanta T Lalla-Edward
- Ezintsha, University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - W D Francois Venter
- Ezintsha, University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Karine Scheuermaier
- Wits Sleep Lab, Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|