Weight Control Intervention for Truck Drivers: The SHIFT Randomized Controlled Trial, United States

Am J Public Health. 2016 Sep;106(9):1698-706. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2016.303262. Epub 2016 Jul 27.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Safety and Health Involvement For Truckers (SHIFT) intervention with a randomized controlled design.

Methods: The multicomponent intervention was a weight-loss competition supported with body weight and behavioral self-monitoring, computer-based training, and motivational interviewing. We evaluated intervention effectiveness with a cluster-randomized design involving 22 terminals from 5 companies in the United States in 2012 to 2014. Companies were required to provide interstate transportation services and operate at least 2 larger terminals. We randomly assigned terminals to intervention or usual practice control conditions. We assessed participating drivers (n = 452) at baseline and 6 months.

Results: In an intent-to-treat analysis, the postintervention difference between groups in mean body mass index change was 1.00 kilograms per meters squared (P < .001; intervention = -0.73; control = +0.27). Behavioral changes included statistically significant improvements in fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity.

Conclusions: Results establish the effectiveness of a multicomponent and remotely administered intervention for producing significant weight loss among commercial truck drivers.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Automobile Driving*
  • Competitive Behavior*
  • Female
  • Health Behavior
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Motor Vehicles*
  • Obesity / prevention & control*
  • Program Evaluation
  • Treatment Outcome
  • United States
  • Weight Loss*