Study focuses on health risks of truck drivers

Truck drivers spend a lot of time behind the wheel; while their job is important to the economy of our nation it can take a toll on their health. A study by the New Mexico State University and the University of Texas at Austin Schools of Nursing was conducted to determine the health risks of male truck drivers. The study found that people in this category have high health risks, including poor diet and lack of exercise.

Iris Mullins, assistant professor at NMSU’s School of Nursing, said truck drivers often have poor health because they can’t afford insurance.

“Truck drivers are often an underserved population that simply can’t afford health insurance. Their diets, stress and lack of exercise and stimulation put them in a high-risk health group,” she added.

Mullins, Trish O’Day from UT-Austin and her team hit the streets from October 2007 to May 2008 to collect data from truck drivers traveling along the I-10 and I-25 corridors in New Mexico. They collected their height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, nutrition and other health information. The team collected 123 surveys, which shed light on the health needs of truck drivers. For example, of the surveys collected only 11 drivers had normal blood pressure.

Through this survey, funded by the Southwest Partnership Center, the team hopes to identify health risks for short- and long-haul truck drivers and identify health-promoting behaviors used by truck drivers that can be incorporated into the future development of a health promotion intervention program. Mullins says such a program is very much needed.

“With a health promotion program tailored toward drivers, we can help them make better lifestyle choices that will lead to better health,” said Mullins.