Title of article :
Truckies' Nutrition and Physical Activity: A Cross-sectional Survey in Queensland, Australia
Author/Authors :
Sendall, Marguerite C School of Public Health and Social Work - Faculty of Health - Queensland University of Technology - Queensland, Australia , McCosker, Laura K School of Public Health and Social Work - Faculty of Health - Queensland University of Technology - Queensland, Australia , Ahmed, Rahma School of Public Health and Social Work - Faculty of Health - Queensland University of Technology - Queensland, Australia , Crane, Phil School of Public Health and Social Work - Faculty of Health - Queensland University of Technology - Queensland, Australia
Abstract :
Truck drivers are at increased risk of diet- and physical activity-related chronic diseases.
Despite this, there is a paucity of data about Australian truck drivers' diet and physical activity
behaviors. A multiple choice and short response survey was distributed to truck drivers
attending an Australian Truck Show. The survey asked about self-reported health, source of
health information, number of serves of fruit, vegetables, unhealthy food, and sugary drink
consumed per day, and frequency of moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity per
week. The survey was completed by 231 truck drivers—almost all were male, with a mean
age of 46 (range 20 to 71) years. Over 85% of survey respondents worked more than 9 hrs
per day. Nearly 75% acknowledged the need to make changes to improve their health. Half
consumed fewer serves of fruit and 88% consumed fewer serves of vegetables than national
recommendations. Over 63% consumed at least one serve of unhealthy foods per day, and
65% drank at least one can of sugary drink per day. Most (80%) undertook less than moderate-
and vigorous-intensity physical activity levels provided in national recommendations.
Of concern, almost 90% of drivers had above the recommended body mass index—approximately
60% were obese. This is almost double the proportion found in the general population.
These findings highlight the importance of health promotion to help drivers make better
choices about their health behaviors, which are often underpinned by the limitations of their
work environment. Health promotion in transport industry workplaces should be an important
topic for future research.
Keywords :
Motor Vehicles , Obesity , Health behavior , Risk factors , Nutritional status , Exercise , Health promotion
Journal title :
International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (IJOEM)