Health habits and risk factors among truck drivers visiting a health booth during a trucker trade show

Abstract Purpose. The purpose of this report is to provide general information on the personal characteristics, health status, and health interests reported by long-haul truck drivers. Design. A cross-sectional survey was conducted based on a convenience sample. Statistical independence between comparison groups for driver type, age, and gender were tested with the Pearson chi-square test. Setting. The study population consisted of truck drivers who stopped at one of 65 truck stops participating in a trucker trade show. Subjects. Subjects were 2,945 male self-identified truck drivers and 353 female self-identified truck drivers who visited health booths at the trade show. It was estimated that two thirds of visitors to the health booth participated. Measures. A self-administered, close-ended questionnaire recorded the participant's personal characteristics, health status, and health interests. Blood pressure was measured by trained volunteers. Results. A large percentage of male truck drivers smoked cigar...