Health Comparisons Between Truck Drivers and the General Population Using the Canadian Community Health Survey

Abstract

Background This study examined and compared risk factors and health conditions of truck drivers compared with the general Canadian population. Methods This study used the Canadian Community Health Survey consisting of 991 male truck drivers and 29,958 male respondents of the general population. Results Compared with the general population, truck drivers were older, less educated, had lower incomes, worked more hours, and were more likely to be widowed/separated/divorced. In addition, truck drivers had significantly higher rates of cardiovascular disease and obesity and were more likely to be sedentary, smoke, drive when fatigued, and eat unhealthy compared with the general population. Conclusions Multicomponent interventions are needed to address the poor lifestyle practices of truckers to reduce the high rates of morbidity.