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Identifying Environmental Influences on Obesity Risk Factors of
Commercial Truckers
Lisa Turner, Principal
Investigator
Funded by University of Cincinnati
NIOSH Education and Research Center
(7/1/2008-6/30/2009)
Abstract
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Lisa Turner
(Ph.D. student) |
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According to recent statistics, over half of adults in
the United States are either overweight or obese.
Previous studies involving commercial truck drivers have
noted high prevalence rates of obesity in this
population. The National Occupational Research Agenda
(NORA), a research framework for the National Institute
of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), has
identified trucker health as a priority area of
research. Being overweight or obese potentially
influences a trucker’s ability to safely perform their
job, which in turn could influence the safety of all
those who share the road. The proposed study will
provide baseline data for obesity risk factors in
commercial truckers and for developing appropriate
nursing interventions to reduce commercial truckers’
risk for obesity. The purpose of this study is to
examine the exercise and dietary habits in a sample of
commercial truck drivers and to examine various
components of the work environment of commercial truck
drivers in relation to their risk for obesity.
The specific aims of this study are (1) to identify
the key obesity risk factors for a convenience sample of
commercial truck drivers, (2) to describe the
feasibility of regular exercise and healthy eating based
on the opinions and experiences of a convenience sample
of commercial truck drivers, and (3) to compare the
availability of exercise rooms at truck stops by
geographic regions of the country.
This study will involve surveying a convenience
sample (n=370) of commercial truckers about their
obesity risks while traveling for their job. The
variables that will be measured are the obesity risk
factor questionnaire, body mass index, body fat
percentage, and waist circumference. This study will add
to the limited knowledge regarding the obesity risks of
commercial truckers.
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$7,000 -
NIOSH ERC Grant
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