According to a new university study, many current interventions aimed at improving truck driver health just aren’t working – and better support is necessary to help combat growing health concerns in the sector.
In Australia, truck drivers transport over $224.2 billion worth of commodities but much research into truck driver health all points to a number of worrying trends.
The Driving Health project, conducted in 2022, included an online survey of almost 1400 truck drivers and telephone survey of 332 drivers, found truck drivers have one of the highest rates of psychological distress, chronic diseases, obesity, and occupational injuries.
Almost a third of drivers involved in the study had three or more diagnosed medical conditions, which is four times greater than the average for Australians. The most common medical conditions for drivers were found to be back problems, high blood pressure, and mental health problems. The study also noted that over half of truck drivers are categorised as obese.
One in five drivers under 35 also reported severe levels of psychological distress.
The University of South Australia (UniSA) has now reviewed the effectiveness of health interventions for more than 2000 truck drivers across 19 studies – and the results are concerning.
Researchers found that the only health interventions showing promise were programs promoting physical activity or eating more fruit and vegetables.
According to UniSA, all other existing initiatives had little effect on truck drivers’ health. This includes initiatives centred around goal setting, lifestyle counselling, motivational interviewing, and health-behaviour education and training.
Researchers claim that tailored, multi-level and innovative approaches are needed.
UniSA’s Dr Rosa Virgara, a lecturer in physiotherapy, says there is a critical need to better support truck drivers’ health and wellbeing.
“Truck drivers are the beating heart of Australia’s economy. They drive thousands of kilometres every day to ensure the safe delivery of everything we use in daily life, but when it comes to their own health and wellbeing, there’s a lot lacking,” she said.
“Whether it’s long hours, shiftwork, poor diet or inactivity, the health risks associated with the truck driver occupation are significant and varied.”
As a result, she says truck drivers have some of the highest rates of poor physical activity and other chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, high BMI/obesity, depression, and back pain which impacts their ability to lead healthy lives.
“Further to this, there are wider safety implications associated with truck driver health, as evidence demonstrates that drivers with multiple health issues have higher rates of accidents,” Virgara added.
“Given the importance of the industry, it’s vital that we prioritise the development of practical and scalable healthy lifestyle interventions that can support health and well-being of truck drivers. And importantly, we must involve truck drivers themselves in this process.”
UniSA researchers are hoping to develop and implement sustainable and effective interventions that address the unique challenges that face truck drivers.
Among their suggestions are purpose-built exercise equipment installed at truck stops across the country, to help encourage truck drivers to take a break and focus on their health.
“Strategies such as providing balanced and healthy subsidised lunches to truck drivers, as well as creating and upkeeping places for exercise during a rest break, could be a starting point in integrating health interventions into their working lives,” continued Virgara.
“Ultimately, the drivers know their needs best, and any future research should work with the transport sector, consulting with trucking companies, communities, government agencies and the drivers themselves to help improve the lives of those working in such a valuable profession.”