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Mentor

Janet R. Wojcik, Ph.D.

College

College of Education

Department

Physical Education, Sport, and Human Performance

Abstract

This study examined health habits and physical activity levels of student truck drivers to determine if they are already at risk of developing health conditions that are shown in the truck driving industry. Student truck drivers from a technical college (N=52) participated in this study. They completed a modified version of a truck driver survey from the Transport Engineering Research Limited in New Zealand (2008). Questions regarding the students’ health habits, physical activity (PA), and wellness in the workplace were included in the anonymous questionnaire. The mean age was 35 +/- 11.03 years. Mean body mass index was 29.4 +/- 6.38 with 44% feeling they are overweight. Current smokers are 38%. Over 72% reported at least moderate PA > 3 times/week with 37% work-related PA. Sleep was reported 7 hours or greater by 71%. Bacon, eggs, and pancakes were reported for breakfast by 31%, 29% consume cereal, while 31% do not eat breakfast. Concern about health habits changing was expressed by 41% while 37% were unsure. Student truck drivers are in need of improving health behaviors. They are concerned how their health habits would change and prefer to work for a company which provides wellness programs and incentives for health. This preliminary data could possibly lead to implementing wellness education into truck driving training courses. More data will be to be collected throughout the academic year.

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