Spinal pathology in self-employed truck drivers]

The truck driver's work requires sitting in a fixed posture for prolonged periods when driving. Such conditions involve exposure to whole body vibrations. In addition, during loading and unloading operations, often done by hand, there is a further excess load on the spine. The paper presents the results of an investigation on the frequency of spinal disorders among self-employed truck drivers. A total of 606 truck drivers belonging to a trade union were interviewed and 63 subjects using the methods proposed by the "Ergonomics of Posture and Movement Research Unit" of the "Clinica del Lavoro" of Milan were examined. There was an elevated frequency of herniated disk and the risk was 4 times higher compared to the control population. The frequency of functional spondyloarthropathy of the cervical and lumbar segments was particularly high, especially in the older age classes (71.4% and 35.7%). The authors conclude that disease of the lumbar spine leads in a very large number of cases to permanent working incapacity among truck drivers before pensionable age.     

Locomotor diseases among male long-haul truck drivers and other professional drivers

Objective High risks for locomotor diseases have been reported for bus and truck drivers in general; however, little is known about the specific risks of long-haul truck drivers. Methods Standardised hospitalisation ratios (SHR) for different locomotor diseases of bus drivers, long-haul truck drivers and other truck drivers were compared with each other and with the general Danish working population. Results Intervertebral disc disorders were more common among professional drivers (SHR: 119, 95% CI: 114–125) and of similar magnitude for cervical and non-cervical disorders. Both long-haul truck drivers and bus drivers had higher SHR for intervertebral disc disorders (SHR: 133, 95% CI: 114–155/SHR: 141, 95% CI: 129–154, respectively) than other truck drivers (SHR: 109, 95% CI: 102–116). The SHR for carpal tunnel syndrome was high among long-haul drivers (SHR: 163, 95% CI: 101–249) and for other truck drivers (SHR: 130, 95% CI: 108–156) compared to bus drivers (SHR: 110, 95% CI: 79–149). All drivers had high SHR for lesions of the ulnar nerve (SHR: 159, 95% CI: 119–207), especially bus drivers (SHR: 197, 95% CI: 116–311). Long-haul truck drivers had high SHRs for synovitis and bursitis (SHR: 150, 95% CI: 105–207), in contrast to other truck drivers and bus drivers (SHR: 103, 95% CI: 89–120/SHR: 87, 95% CI: 66–112, respectively). Conclusion All groups of professional drivers experience high risk of various disorders of the locomotor system but type of vehicle and specific working conditions are associated with different health effects on the locomotor system.     

Characteristics of the blood lipoprotein spectrum in truck drivers from the rural Northern Caucasus areas

Studies were performed of the blood lipoprotein spectrum in 20-59-year-old truck-drivers working in Northern Caucasus rural areas, depending on the age, duration of work in the profession and nationality, in comparison with male workers of other professions in the same areas. It was established that, in indigenous male workers of other than truck-driver's profession, the average levels of different cholesterol lipoproteids were lower than in other ethnic groups, whereas the hypoalfacholesterolemia occurrence was two-fold. In truck-drivers of both indigenous and non-indigenous groups, the lipoprotein spectrum age-related changes were similar. In the non-indigenous drivers' group, hypercholesterolemia was highly prevalent, and hyperalfacholesterolemia was less prevalent than in other professional groups. Also, IHD cases were more characteristic of the indigenous drivers' group. The data obtained witnessed in favour of a differentiated approach in the planning of preventive activities with due account of the population's ethnic and occupational characteristics.     

A follow-up study on the mortality of truck drivers

The aim of this study was to investigate a possible relationship between occupational exposure to vehicle exhaust and cancer risk. For this purpose, a cohort of 14,225 truck drivers was followed throughout a ten-year period with regard to cause-specific mortality. Comparisons were made with another cohort of unskilled male laborers. Both of the occupational groups compared were identified at a census and no supplementary data on individual exposure history were available. The study showed an increased mortality for lung cancer (standardized mortality ratio (SMR) 160, 95% confidence interval (CI) 126–200) and multiple myeloma (SMR 439, 95% CI 142–1,024). It seems likely that exposure to diesel exhaust has contributed to the increased lung cancer risk observed. The possible relationship between multiple myeloma and certain constituents of vehicle exhaust may be worth attention in future investigations. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Dispersion of asbestos fibers and artificial mineral fibers (MMMF) inside truck cabs: a possible exposure of truck drivers]

Tests on samples of braided asbestos cord used in truck exhaust systems revealed a constant presence of chrysotile. Amosite fibres were also observed in many of the samples. Following a case of asbestosis in a truck driver, it was assumed that asbestos fibres could reach the driver's cab through the openings of the ventilation and heating system and also through the spaces between the bonnet and the floor of the driver's cab. Dust samples taken in the driver's cab of 10 (no.) trucks revealed the presence of asbestos fibres in 3 cases; MMMF were present in 7 cases, very likely originating from the noise insulation panelling. It is therefore suggested that there is a possible risk for truck drivers of exposure to asbestos and MMMF fibres dispersed inside the driver's cab.     

Predictors of psychostimulant use by long-distance truck drivers

Two national cross-sectional surveys of fatigue and its effects in long-distance road transport in Australia showed that stimulant use was a common feature of this industry. Between one in five and one in three drivers reported using stimulants at least sometimes, and a significant proportion reported stimulant use as a most helpful fatigue management strategy. This study reanalyzed the surveys with the aim of identifying predictors of stimulant drug use by drivers. The surveys were administered in 1991 (n = 970) and 1998 (n = 1,007) by interview and self-administration. Logistic regression analysis conducted separately for each survey showed that stimulant drug use was twice as likely for drivers who had the greatest problem in managing fatigue and was two to three times more likely for drivers paid on a payment-by-results or contingency-payment basis. Younger, less experienced drivers were also more likely to take drugs. This analysis demonstrates the involvement of external factors, especially productivity-based payment systems, in stimulant drug use by truck drivers; findings were confirmed in two separate surveys conducted 7 years apart. Results highlight the important role of economic and organizational factors in occupational health and safety problems.     

Characteristics of the immune status of female cattle breeders with chlamydia infections

Chlamydia urogenital infections cause significant changes in the immune status which can be regarded as immunopathologic disorders. Taking into account the wide prevalence of infections of this kind, particularly among female agriculture workers, as well as their pathogenicity and health-related consequences, Chlamydia Trachomatis cases must be properly revealed in women affected with inflammatory diseases of genitalia with subsequent etiotropic treatment.     

Determinants of HIV risk among Indian truck drivers.

Although there are very high levels of HIV risk sexual behavior in India, there has been little research on the determinants of this behavior, the psychosocial correlates of condom use, or the potential for effective behavior change interventions. The present research used the information-motivation-behavioral skills model of HIV risk behavior to explore these issues in a sample of Indian truck drivers, a population that comprises an important vector of HIV transmission. This paper presents correlational data on the predictors of HIV risk and preventive behavior in a sample of truck drivers in Chennai, India. The data were collected via detailed individual structured interviews with 300 Indian truck drivers. Results indicated that Indian truck drivers had substantial deficits with respect to HIV prevention information, motivation, and behavioral skills. Consistent with the IMB model, these deficits were often found to be predictive of HIV risk and preventive behavior. The implications of these findings for future intervention are discussed.     

在长途货运汽车司机中促进避孕套使用的研究

目的 了解长途货车汽车司机对性病／艾滋病的认识,态度,行为以及使用避孕套的情况。方法 采用行为干预的方法,对该人群进行危险行为干预措施的实施。结果 实施干预措施后,该人群对性病／艾滋病预防的知晓率由于预前４５％上升到干预后８９．８％,自我报告避孕套使用率高于对照组。结论健康教育对于性病／艾滋病的预防是有一定效果的。     

Coronary heart disease risk factors in bus and truck drivers

Fifty-two bus and truck drivers and a control group of 52 male industrial workers were studied with regard to risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) as well as some psycho-social and occupational indicators. The main results were: higher mean values for serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides and blood pressure in the driver group, indicating a markedly higher risk of CHD in the driver group. The two groups were matched for age, socio-economic status, dietary habits, smoking habits and alcohol consumption. In the study the groups were found to be equal as regards CHD-inheritance, physical activity in leisure time, and relative body weight, W/H2. No CO could be traced in the vehicles. The psycho-social and occupational indicators showed considerable differences. The average score for the exposure factor "tempo/time-limit/urgency in job" was 50% higher, and the number of persons with the characteristic "type-A coronary-prone behaviour" was 30% higher in the driver group than in the control group. The difference in blood lipids and blood pressure increased with age. It is suggested that the higher CHD-risk in the driver group is associated with two factors: (1) greater psychic pressure in the working situation; (2) the selection of more type-A persons to driver occupations. A probable, but not commonly accepted theory, is that these psychosocial indicators may influence the traditional risk factors in a harmful way.