Affiliations: Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University,
McMaster Innovation Park, Hamilton, ON, Canada | Healthy Living Division, City of Hamilton Public
Health Services, Hamilton, ON, Canada | Centre for Evaluation of Medicines, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Note: [] Corresponding author: Ricardo Angeles, Department of Family
Medicine, McMaster University, McMaster Innovation Park, Suite 201 A, 175
Longwood Road South, Hamilton, ON, L8P 0A1 Canada. Tel.: +1 905 5259140 Ext.
28509; Fax: +1 905 5274440; E-mail: angelesric@gmail.com
Abstract: BACKGROUND: There are no Canadian data regarding health and wellness
of transport truck drivers. OBJECTIVES: We pilot-tested a survey instrument to examine the risk
factors and health needs of Canadian truck drivers. METHODS: A self-administered survey was completed by truck drivers
employed in 13 companies in-and-near Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The survey was
developed using published tools with input from focus groups and included
demographics, health issues, health service utilization, and awareness of
workplace health programs. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate
prevalence of health issues and risk factors. RESULTS: 822 surveys were distributed and 406 drivers (49.4%)
responded; 48.5% were 50 years and older, 96.0% were male. Diabetes, heart
disease, stroke, arthritis, and lung problems were reported by 7%, 4.1%, 0.6%,
10.8% and 2.8% respectively. 96% had salt intake above the recommended daily
intake, 31.5% smoked daily and the prevalence of being overweight and with poor
diet was 53.2% and 48.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of current disease was low; however,
prevalence of risk factors for chronic disease was substantial. The survey was
feasible to administer and provided benchmark data regarding truck drivers'
perceived health. A national survey of Canadian drivers is suggested to improve
generalizability and facilitate analysis for associations to poorer driver
health.
Keywords: Health and wellness survey, baseline survey, transport industry, lone workers
