Relationships Between Poor Health and Calories From Fat Among Commercial Truck Drivers

J Occup Environ Med. 2019 Nov;61(11):944-948. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001706.

Abstract

Objective: Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers face many challenges to their health, including poor diet, disease, and crash risk. This study quantifies relationships between the percentage of calories from fat (PCF) and markers of poor health, many of which are associated with increased crash risk.

Methods: Cross-sectional data from 790 CMV drivers were analyzed. PCF were estimated using the National Cancer Institute Percentage Energy from Fat Screener. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated.

Results: The highest category of PCF (>38.2%) was statistically significantly more likely to not exercise (OR = 2.08), have sleep apnea (OR = 2.31), snore (OR = 1.90), smoke (OR = 2.28), and use alcohol (OR = 1.87) after adjustments.

Conclusion: Meaningful relationships between PCF and poor health indicators exist. These indicators may provide an intervention to improve the health and safety of CMV drivers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology
  • Cigarette Smoking / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage*
  • Energy Intake*
  • Female
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Vehicles
  • Occupational Health*
  • Sedentary Behavior
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes / epidemiology
  • Snoring / epidemiology
  • Transportation / statistics & numerical data*
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Dietary Fats