On the Road to Better Trucker Health

by Jon Scaccia November 6, 2024

Long-haul truck drivers play a critical role in keeping our economies running, transporting essential goods across vast distances. However, behind the wheel, many drivers face significant health risks, from chronic conditions like obesity and heart disease to mental health challenges such as depression and social isolation. The very nature of their work—long hours, irregular schedules, limited access to healthy food—contributes to these risks.

A new study conducted in New Brunswick, Canada, explores the health challenges truck drivers face and offers recommendations for personalized healthcare interventions that could make a meaningful difference in their lives.

The Trucking Lifestyle: Independence at a Cost

Many truck drivers are drawn to the lifestyle because of the freedom it offers. As one participant in the study noted, “Being on the road… you know… it’s a freedom that’s worth gold.” But this independence comes at a price. Long hours behind the wheel, often spent in isolation, lead to a range of physical and mental health challenges. Drivers face barriers to maintaining a healthy lifestyle—whether it’s finding nutritious food on the road or getting enough exercise. Even basic self-care, like scheduling doctor appointments, can be nearly impossible due to their demanding schedules.

The study revealed three major themes based on interviews with truck drivers and industry professionals: drivers’ health needs, their motivators for better health, and their recommendations for tailored healthcare services.

“My Life as a Trucker!”—Understanding the Challenges

The first major theme in the study focuses on the daily struggles truckers face in maintaining their health. Long hours of sitting lead to physical ailments like back pain, obesity, and heart disease. Poor sleep, caused by irregular schedules and uncomfortable sleeping arrangements, contributes to a higher risk of developing sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. The study participants also reported significant mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and social isolation. One driver shared, “It’s hard being so far away for months… My family is there, but I have to work.”

Beyond these individual health issues, drivers face substantial barriers to accessing healthcare. For many, scheduling appointments during traditional business hours is simply not an option. As one driver explained, “If I say I need an appointment in the morning, they say 10 am. But for us, first thing in the morning is 3 am. Ten o’clock for us is in the middle of the day.” This mismatch between drivers’ schedules and the healthcare system creates a barrier that many cannot overcome.

“Taking Care of Myself”—Motivators for Healthier Living

Despite these challenges, drivers want to take better care of themselves. However, they often lack the resources and support to do so. The study found that while drivers are motivated to improve their health, they need services that meet them where they are—both physically and mentally. One driver suggested that “electronic solutions,” like virtual health services, could help overcome the logistical barriers they face in accessing care.

The trucking community itself could also play a key role in promoting better health. Drivers often help each other on the road, and this social dynamic could be leveraged to encourage healthier behaviors. One participant suggested friendly competitions with rewards, such as step challenges or healthy eating contests, as a way to motivate drivers to engage in wellness programs. “We’re little boys at heart,” one driver joked, suggesting that even simple incentives could inspire participation.

“Can You Hear What We Need?”—Recommendations for Tailored Healthcare Services

The third theme of the study focuses on the drivers’ recommendations for how healthcare services can be improved to meet their needs. Drivers overwhelmingly expressed a preference for virtual health services that they can access without leaving the road. Telehealth services, which have grown in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic, could provide a lifeline for drivers who struggle to schedule in-person appointments. These services could include health education, lifestyle coaching, and even mental health support—all tailored to the unique demands of the trucking profession.

Participants also emphasized the need for peer-led services, where drivers could support each other in making healthier choices. A program led by other truckers could help reduce the stigma around seeking help for mental health issues, which remains a significant barrier for many in the industry. One driver explained, “If it’s coming from someone from their background or someone going through the same experience, it might be easier to approach.”

Finally, drivers suggested that healthcare providers need a better understanding of the trucking lifestyle. Health services should not only be physically accessible but also designed with the drivers’ cognitive needs in mind. Truckers should review written materials, for example, to ensure the language is clear and relevant to their experiences.

Practical Steps Forward

The findings from this study highlight a clear need for healthcare services that are tailored to the specific challenges of long-haul truck drivers. By offering flexible, accessible, and relevant health interventions, we can help improve the physical, mental, and social well-being of this essential workforce. The trucking industry and healthcare providers must collaborate to develop programs that fit into the drivers’ lives, not the other way around.

Telehealth services are a promising solution, offering drivers the ability to connect with healthcare professionals from anywhere. By implementing targeted wellness programs and mental health support tailored to the realities of the job, we can help truckers stay healthy on the road.

Join the Conversation

What do you think? How can the healthcare system better support long-haul truck drivers? Have you or someone you know experienced challenges in accessing healthcare due to a demanding work schedule? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments or on social media!

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