| There is a high prevalence of obesity among commercial truck drivers. The purpose of this dissertation study is to add to the limited knowledge regarding obesity and obesity risk factors among commercial truck drivers. Special attention is given to how the work environment may influence truckers' obesity risk.;The specific aims were: (1) Critically analyze the literature on the effects of obesity on commercial truck drivers and the commercial truck driving industry; (2) Describe the prevalence of obesity and obesity-related health conditions in a sample of commercial truck drivers; (3) Identify a model for predicting obesity in commercial truck drivers; (4) Describe exercise and perceived barriers to exercise of commercial truck drivers; and, (5) Identify a model for predicting the probability of physical activity in commercial truck drivers.;A cross-sectional, non-experimental design was used, with a convenience sample of 300. Body measurements were taken for each participant and participants completed a 30-question survey. Analysis consisted of a descriptive examination of the variables, chi-square test of association, independent samples t-test, and logistic regression analysis.;The results indicate that this sample of commercial truck drivers is a high-risk occupational group for obesity and health problems. Participants reported minimal amounts of exercise. A high prevalence of overweight and obesity was found in this sample: 93.3% of study participants had a BMI ≥ 25. Most drivers cited lack of time and place to exercise as the primary barriers to exercising. Predictors for exercising were perceived availability of exercise equipment, perceived availability of time to exercise, and number of days traveled for work in the past week. Predictors for obesity (BMI ≥ 30) were number of days traveled for work in the past week, number of times ate meals at fast-food or sit-down restaurant in the past week, perceived availability of exercise equipment, and number of reported health conditions.;This study adds to the limited knowledge of the health and lifestyle behaviors of commercial truck drivers, discusses implications for policy and public health nursing, and sets the stage for further exploration into improving the health of this vulnerable workforce.;KEYWORDS: Occupational Health, Trucking, Obesity, Exercise, Environmental Obesogenic Influences. |
