Ergonomic workplace analysis (EWA) as a model for creating an instrument to assess rest locations for truck drivers.

Introduction: The relationship between sleep quality and rest location is rarely explored in the literature. In this context, ergonomic analysis instruments can contribute with information for a satisfactory rest environment throughout the work schedule. Objectives: To analyze the performance of an instrument based on Ergonomic Workplace Analysis for assessing rest locations. Methods: This study adapted an ergonomic instrument to a new purpose. To analyze its performance, we assessed the rest locations of truck drivers working for a large transportation company located in the state of São Paulo. Results: The variables adapted from the original Ergonomic Workplace Analysis were rest location, sequence of tasks, lighting, noise, indoor comfort, and thermal comfort. Photos and flowcharts were used to better describe the data. Conclusion: The new instrument was shown to be adequate for assessing rest locations. The drivers evaluated the accommodations more positively than the analyst, and truck sleepers and company accommodations were considered different both by the drivers and the analyst.

Introdução: A relação entre a qualidade do sono e o local de descanso é pouco explorada pela literatura. Nesse contexto, os instrumentos de análise ergonômica podem contribuir com informações para um ambiente de descanso satisfatório ao longo das jornadas de trabalho. Objetivos: Analisar o desempenho de um instrumento de avaliação de locais de descanso, desenvolvido a partir da ferramenta ergonomic workplace analysis (análise ergonômica do posto de trabalho). Métodos: O presente estudo se caracteriza por adaptar um instrumento ergonômico para uma nova finalidade. Realizou-se avaliação dos locais de descanso de motoristas de caminhão de uma empresa transportadora de grande porte, localizada no estado de São Paulo. Resultados: As variáveis adaptadas da versão original do ergonomic workplace analysis foram o local de descanso, a sequência de tarefas, a iluminação, o ruído, o conforto interno e o conforto térmico. As fotos e os fluxogramas foram utilizados para melhor descrever os dados. Conclusões: O novo instrumento se mostrou adequado para avaliar locais de descanso. Os motoristas avaliaram mais positivamente os dormitórios do que o analista, sendo que o local de descanso do caminhão e os alojamentos foram considerados distintos tanto para os motoristas quanto para o analista.

A look through Latin America truck drivers' health, a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Heavy truck drivers represent a social group of great importance to any country's economy. Their professional activity requires a high level of dedication. Due to the irregular hours in their work routine and adopted habits, they mostly predispose them to a diversity of health problems. The purpose of this study is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to identify the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity in Latin American Truck Drivers. We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and LILACS databases, for scientific publications articles, as reported by The PRISMA Statement. From 1,382, 7 studies were included according to the established criteria. The hypertension prevalence found was 34.2%, diabetes was of 9.2% and the highest prevalence found was for overweight and obesity (56%). Meta-analysis presented that drivers have a higher prevalence of overweight or obesity when compared to eutrophic individuals and that drivers with diabetes and hyperglycemia have a lower prevalence. Due to their work activity, their access to the health system is compromised limiting any type of monitoring of their health. This study showed that there is, in Latin America, an investment and assistance gap, both in the health sector and in the research section, for this professional category, which is so important to the economy of these countries. These data should help to identify the difficulties faced by this professional in health assistance, road safety, public safety, leisure and social life. This research also highlighted that they are young and already have the first sign of non-transmissible chronic diseases, which is overweight and obesity.

Sleep disorders and fatigue among truck and bus drivers in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue and sleep disturbances are among the most common disorders suffered by transport drivers. OBJECTIVE: To identify and analyze working conditions for Mexican federal transportation truck and bus drivers, and their connection with sleep disorders and fatigue. METHODS: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was performed with a convenience sample of 172 drivers (84 truck and 88 bus) by applying the Survey Evaluation and Monitoring of Workers Health (PROESSAT in Spanish) and the Yoshitake Fatigue questionnaire. RESULTS: Night work and performing hazardous work increased the prevalence of sleep disorders (PR = 3.9 and PR = 6.9, respectively). Poor lighting and being paid per trip increased the prevalence of fatigue (PR = 2.8 and PR = 2.5, respectively). CONCLUSION: Several conditions were found to impact health, including long work shifts, strenuous physical effort, night work, little social support, being paid by distance, strict quality controls, and risk of crimes such as extortion, robbery, attacks, and kidnapping.

Association between self-reported food intake and subjective sleep quality among truck drivers in a city in Southern Brazil.

Introduction: Sleep is an activity of great importance for maintaining the homeostasis of the human body and some components may interfere with the quality of sleep, including the pattern of food consumption. Truck drivers may constitute a population particularly sensitive to this association, since they are routinely exposed to situations that may interfere with food intake and sleep quality. Thus, this study investigated the association between self-reported food intake and sleep quality in truck drivers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, with drivers who traveled in a city in southern Brazil. Food intake was evaluated through the average of food intake over the last 30 days. Food intake was evaluated in two forms: division in food groups and evaluation only tryptophan-rich foods. Sleep quality was measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). In addition to the descriptive analysis, to identify possible associations between food intake and sleep quality, linear regression, crude and adjusted for confounding variables, were performed to obtain the Beta and Beta adjusted (Betaadj), respectively, and p-value. Results: A total of 352 truck drivers, mostly males, mean age 48.4 (±11.6) years, with a frequent consumption of meat, fruits, vegetables, sweets, and energy drinks participated in this study. The frequent consumption of dairy products (Betaadj: --0.614. p-value 0.004) and fruits (Betaadj: --0.342. p-value 0.034) was associated with lower PSQI score, while the consumption of energy drinks was associated with a higher PSQI score (Betaadj: 0.923. p-value <0.001). The frequency of consumption of tryptophan-rich foods was not associated with sleep quality. Conclusion: Fruits and dairy products are associated with better subjective sleep quality, while energy drinks are associated with worse sleep quality in truck drivers, whereas dietary tryptophan-rich foods intake was not associated with sleep quality.

Preditores da intenção de abandono profissional em caminhoneiros / Predictors of intention to leave profession in truck drivers

Apesar da importância da retenção de caminhoneiros, há pouca compreensão acerca das variáveis e suas interações para explicar a intenção do abandono profissional. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as variáveis sociodemográficas, laborais, psicossociais, estressores ocupacionais e a satisfação no trabalho como possíveis preditores da intenção de abandono em uma amostra de 565 caminhoneiros brasileiros. Como instrumentos de avaliação, foram utilizadas as Subescalas de Tendência ao Abandono, Satisfação no Trabalho e Riscos Psicossociais, questionários de variáveis sociodemográficas, laborais e estressores ocupacionais. Os resultados obtidos por meio da análise de regressão linear múltipla apontaram um modelo explicativo para a tendência ao abandono composto por sete variáveis que conjuntamente explicaram 29,2% da variância, sendo a satisfação no trabalho a variável de maior poder preditivo (13,2%). O estudo sugere ações de retenção desses profissionais aos gestores do transporte, com o objetivo de evitar a rotatividade dessa categoria.

Despite the importance of truck driver's retention, there is not enough understanding about the variables that interact to explain the intention to leave the profession. The objective of this study was to evaluate variables such as, sociodemographic, labor, psychosocial, occupational stressors and satisfaction with work, as possible predictors of abandonment, in a sample of 565 Brazilian truck drivers. For data capture purposes, a set of assessment tools was used. It was composed by: Subscales of Tendency to Abandonment, Job Satisfaction and Psychosocial risks, sociodemographic, labor and occupational stressors questionnaire. The results obtained by multiple linear regression analysis, have indicated seven variables to explain the model variance of 29,2%, with job satisfaction having the most significant prediction capacity (13,2%). The study suggests some retention actions by the management level on truckload carriers, in order to avoid the turnover of this job category.

Comportamentos alimentares de risco à saúde e fatores associados entre motoristas de caminhão / Unhealthy eating habits and associated risk factors among truck drivers

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é identificar fatores associados aos comportamentos alimentares de risco à saúde entre motoristas de caminhão. Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com motoristas de caminhão entrevistados no Porto de Paranaguá. Foram obtidas informações sobre o consumo de frutas, verduras e legumes, salgados fritos, bebidas açucaradas industrializadas e doces, e retirada de gordura visível de carne vermelha e da pele de carne de frango. Modelos hierarquizados foram construídos para identificar fatores associados aos comportamentos alimentares de risco à saúde. Dos entrevistados (n = 670), 53,1% apresentaram quatro ou mais comportamentos alimentares de risco à saúde. Tal condição associou-se com idade inferior a 40 anos (RP = 1,49; IC95% = 1,28-1,73), capacidade para exercer a profissão referida como moderada/baixa/muito baixa (RP 1,28; IC 95% 1,08-1,52), não praticar atividade física no tempo livre (RP = 1,66; IC95% = 1,38-2,00), qualidade da alimentação referida como ruim/muito ruim (RP = 1,25; IC95% = 1,05-1,49) e índice de massa corporal (IMC) < 25 Kg/m2 (RP = 1,22; IC95% = 1,05-1,43). Mais da metade dos motoristas de caminhão apresentaram comportamentos alimentares de risco à saúde, reforçando a necessidade de estratégias de incentivo à redução desses hábitos.

Abstract The scope of this article is to identify risk factors associated with unhealthy eating habits among truck drivers. It involved a cross-sectional study carried out with truck drivers individually interviewed at the Port of Paranaguá in the State of Paraná, Brazil. Information was obtained on the consumption of fruit, vegetables, fried salted food, sweetened beverages, and the removal of visible fat from red meat and of skin from chicken meat. Hierarchical Poisson regression models were applied to identify factors associated with unhealthy eating habits. Of those interviewed (n = 670), 53.1% had four or more unhealthy eating habits. This condition was associated with age less than 40 years (prevalence ratio, PR = 1.49; 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.28-1.73), moderate, low or very low ability to exercise the profession (PR 1.28; 95% CI 1.08-1.52), not taking physical exercise in free time (PR = 1.66; 95%CI = 1.38- 2.00), overall self-reported eating habits as poor or very poor (RP = 1.25; IC95% = 1.05-1.49) and body mass index < 25 Kg/m2 (PR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.05-1.43). More than half of the truck drivers revealed unhealthy eating habits, highlighting the need for strategies to rectify these habits.

Factors Associated with Common Mental Disorders in Truck Drivers / Fatores Associados aos Transtornos Mentais Comuns em Caminhoneiros

Abstract This study aimed to identify the risk factors of Common Mental Disorders (CMD) using a sample of 565 Brazilian truck drivers. For data capture were applied the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), Scale subscale of Psychosocial risks and questionnaire with socio-demographic, working and occupational stressors. The results obtained by multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, have explained the 39.9% of variation on CMD. The occupational stressor working hours is the predictor variable with highest impact, may implying in an increase of 5.41 times more chance of the trucker to present CMD. The results indicate actions by management level as work organization and public authorities with regard to the external work conditions.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou identificar os fatores de risco dos Transtornos Mentais Comuns (TMC) em uma amostra de 565 caminhoneiros brasileiros. Para a coleta de dados, foram utilizados o Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), Subescalas da Escala de Riscos Psicossociais e questionários sociodemográfico, laboral e de estressores ocupacionais. Os resultados obtidos por meio da análise de Regressão Logística Binária Multivariada explicaram 39,9% das variações dos TMC. A variável preditora de maior impacto foi o estressor ocupacional jornada de trabalho que implicou em um aumento de 5,41 vezes mais chance do caminhoneiro apresentar TMC. Os resultados sugerem ações por parte dos gestores quanto à organização do trabalho e por parte do poder público no que diz respeito às condições externas de trabalho.

Working conditions and sleepiness while driving among truck drivers.

Objective: The objective of this study is to identify the role of working conditions as predictors of sleepiness while driving among truck drivers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among truck drivers who transported grains to Paranaguá Port, Paraná, Brazil. The truck drivers were interviewed and completed a self-administered questionnaire to collect data on sociodemographic and behavioral variables, working conditions, consumption of illicit psychoactive substances, and sleep patterns. Drivers were considered to be sleepy while driving if they reported a medium or high probability of napping while driving at night, during the daytime, or while stopped in traffic. The statistical analysis used logistic regression models progressively adjusted for age, behavioral variables, sleep duration, and other working conditions. Results: In total, 670 male drivers, with a mean age of 41.9 (±11.1) years, were enrolled. The prevalence of sleepiness while driving was 31.5%. After model adjustments, the following working conditions were associated with sleepiness while driving: Distance from the last shipment of more than 1,000 km (odds ratio [OR] = 1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-2.23) and a formal labor contract with a productivity-based salary (OR = 2.65; 95% CI, 1.86-3.78). Consumption of illicit psychoactive substances (OR = 1.99; 95% CI, 1.14-3.47) was also associated with sleepiness while driving. Conclusions: Distance traveled and a formal labor contract with productivity-based earnings were the working conditions associated with sleepiness while driving, regardless of other working or behavioral characteristics, age, consumption of illicit psychoactive substances, and sleep duration.

Trends in the use of psychoactive substances by truck drivers in São Paulo State, Brazil: A time-series cross sectional roadside survey (2009-2016).

OBJECTIVE: Truck drivers represent a group that is susceptible to the use of stimulant substances to reduce the symptoms of fatigue, which may be caused by a stressful and exhausting work environment. The use of psychoactive substances may increase the risk for involvement in road traffic crashes. Previous studies have demonstrated that amphetamine, cocaine, and cannabis are the 3 main drugs used by Brazilian truck drivers. We studied the prevalence of amphetamine, benzoylecgonine (indicating use of cocaine), and Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH; indicating use of cannabis) in urine samples from truck drivers in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, using the same methodology during 8 years (2009-2016). METHODS: Samples were collected during a health program supported by the Federal Highway Police. Toxicological analyses were performed using immunoassays and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The total prevalence of illicit drugs was 7.8%. Benzoylecgonine was the most prevalent substance (3.6%), followed by amphetamine (3.4%) and THC-COOH (1.6%). We found the highest drug prevalence in 2010 (11.3%) and the lowest in 2011 (6.1%). We could detect a slight change in the pattern of stimulant use: until 2010, amphetamine was the most prevalent substance; however, in 2011 benzoylecgonine became the most frequently detected substance. This lasted until 2015, probably due to changes in Brazilian legislation regarding appetite suppressants; the most common one is metabolized to amphetamine. CONCLUSION: These data show that the use of psychoactive substances by truck drivers in Brazil did not decrease during the study period. This reinforces the need for further preventive measures to reduce drug use among drivers, which could lead to a decrease in traffic crashes in Brazil.

Prudent diet is associated with low sleepiness among short-haul truck drivers.

OBJECTIVES: The lifestyle of postindustrial society has undergone major shifts characterized by changes in demographic and epidemiologic profiles, eating habits, and job structures, with irregular working hours, particularly night shifts. The investigation of dietary patterns is of great importance for the discussion and devising of effective dietary strategies for shift and night workers in general, particularly in view of the increased sleepiness reported during night work. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the association between dietary patterns of Brazilian truck drivers and sleepiness levels, according to work shift. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 52 drivers (25 long haul and 27 short haul) at a freight company was carried out. This study entailed application of a structured questionnaire collecting sociodemographic, lifestyle, and nutritional status data. Assessment of dietary intake using a 24-h dietary recall and an evaluation of sleepiness by the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale were performed. The principal components of the diet were analyzed by factor analysis to derive dietary patterns. A linear mixed model was then applied to determine a model for sleepiness levels of the drivers as a function of dietary pattern, time of day, and work shift. RESULTS: Three intake patterns were derived: traditional, prudent, and Western. Associations of time of day (F = 23.629, P < 0.01) and shift type (F = 42.218, P < 0.01) on sleepiness were found. An association between diet and sleepiness was also evident, where the prudent pattern was associated with low sleepiness among short-haul truck drivers (F = 3.865, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study revealed an association between dietary patterns and short-haul driving, in which the healthy pattern produced low sleepiness during the day. The sleepiness curve of long-haul drivers appears to have a flattening pattern, probably because of irregular working times.

Estudos qualitativos sobre caminhoneiros e HIV/aids: contribuições para análise de vulnerabilidade / Qualitative studies on truck drivers and HIV/AIDS: contributions for the analysis of vulnerability

Resumo O artigo pretende identificar e analisar criticamente, com base no quadro analítico do conceito de vulnerabilidade, estudos qualitativos sobre a vulnerabilidade de caminhoneiros ao HIV. Os critérios de inclusão foram: abordar a temática da susceptibilidade dos caminhoneiros ao HIV/AIDS e empregar a abordagem qualitativa. Foram encontrados 445 resumos, dentre os quais 17 artigos foram incluídos na análise e categorizados em "estudos socioculturais", "estudos avaliativos" e "estudos de comportamentos de risco". A análise foi balizada por reflexões realizadas a partir do conceito de vulnerabilidade em saúde. O estudo critica a predominância de estudos qualitativos de cunho comportamentalista, com ênfase na identificação de comportamentos de risco, e de concepções e representações sobre HIV/AIDS. Além disso, aponta para estudos de matriz sociocultural e avaliativos que transpassam a barreira dos comportamentos individuais, ampliando o escopo de análise, ao compreender os fenômenos estruturais e interações dos sujeitos frente à epidemia, aproximando-se do conceito de vulnerabilidade. A revisão aponta para a necessidade de estudos que levem em consideração o conceito de vulnerabilidade, contextualizando os comportamentos às dimensões socioestruturais envolvidas na epidemia de aids.

Abstract The scope of this article is to conduct a critical identification and analysis, based on the analytical framework of the concept of vulnerability of truck drivers to HIV. The criteria for inclusion were to address the issue of truck drivers' susceptibility to HIV/AIDS and to adopt the qualitative approach. A total of 445 abstracts were located, of which 17 articles were included in the analysis and categorized as "sociocultural studies", "evaluative studies" and "risk behavior studies." The analysis was based on reflections surrounding the concept of vulnerability in health. The study criticizes the predominance of qualitative studies of a behaviorist nature, with an emphasis on the identification of risk behaviors, concepts and representations about HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, it points to studies of a sociocultural and evaluative nature that transcend the barrier of individual behaviors, expanding the scope of analysis, analysis of structural phenomena and interactions of subjects faced with the epidemic, duly approaching the concept of vulnerability. The review reveals the need for studies that take into account the concept of vulnerability, contextualizing the behaviors to the socio-structural dimensions involved in the AIDS epidemic.

Diferenças de percepção de estressores de acordo com o tipo de rota no trabalho de caminhoneiros / Differences of perception of stressors according to the route type on truck drivers work

A profissão de caminhoneiro está sujeita a inúmeros estressores ocupacionais. O presente estudo objetivou verificar diferença na percepção de estressores laborais em caminhoneiros que realizam rotas curtas e aqueles que percorrem rotas longas no seu trabalho. A amostra se constituiu de 445 caminhoneiros atuantes em diferentes regiões do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Como instrumentos de pesquisa, foram utilizados questionários de dados sociodemográficos, laborais e estressores ocupacionais, elaborados para esse estudo. Os dados foram analisados por meio da prova t de student. A análise evidenciou associação significativa dos estressores: condições de estradas e repouso, postos de atendimento, locais para alimentação, possibilidade de assalto e roubo, jornada de trabalho, remuneração e sistemas eletrônicos de controle aos caminhoneiros de rota longa, quando comparados aos de rota curta. Os resultados apontam para a necessidade de se considerar a variável rota longa no processo de adoecimento dessa categoria profissional.(AU)

The profession of truck driver is exposed to several occupational stressors. This study aimed to evaluate the existence of differences between short and long run distances truck drivers, regarding stressors perception. The sample was composed by 445 Brazilian truck drivers from different zones of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. As instruments, we used socio-demographic, labor, and occupational stressors questionnaires especially created for this research. The data was analyzed trough student t-tests. The analysis highlighted that long distance drivers, compared to short distance drivers, have higher stressors levels about: roads pavement and rest conditions, services area, food court services, lack of security, working hours, salary, and electronic control systems. The results indicate that the variable long driven distance should be considered for the illness process analysis of this profession category.(AU)

Intervenção de educação em saúde na br 116: relato de experiência / Intervención de educación en salud en la autopista br 116: relato de experiencia / Intervention of health education on highway br 116: experience report

RESUMO Este estudo objetivou descrever a atividade de intervenção de educação em saúde do projeto de extensão Saúde na BR. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, tipo relato de experiência, com atividades realizadas na base da Polícia Rodoviária Federal que integram o cronograma semestral do projeto de extensão. As atividades de intervenção contemplaram orientações nutricionais, saúde bucal, ergonomia, uso de medicamentos e substâncias psicoativas e, sobre a influência da espiritualidade no enfrentamento às situações de estresse. A avaliação das condições de saúde, contou com a aferição da pressão arterial, glicemia capilar e imunização; verificação de medidas antropométricas e avaliação de índice de massa corporal, bem como, demonstrações práticas de cuidados de saúde, como a ginástica laboral e o relaxamento. Evidenciou-se que as atividades de educação em saúde incorporaram as características de intervenção direcionadas à realidade do público-alvo, como sujeito ativo do processo do cuidado para a melhoria da qualidade de vida.

RESUMEN Este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir la actividad de intervención en educación en salud del proyecto de extensión Saúde na BR (Salud en la autopista BR). Se trata de estudio descriptivo, del tipo relato de experiencia y las actividades realizadas en la base de la Polícia Rodoviária Federal (Policía Federal de Carreteras brasileña) integran el cronograma semestral del proyecto de extensión. Las actividades de intervención abarcan orientaciones nutricionales, sobre salud bucal, ergonomía, uso de medicamentos y sustancias psicoactivas y sobre la influencia de la espiritualidad en el enfrentamiento de situaciones de estrés. Fueron asociadas a la evaluación de condiciones de salud con: la toma de la presión arterial, glucemia capilar e inmunización, verificación de medidas antropométricas y evaluación de índice de masa corporal, así como demostraciones prácticas de cuidados de salud, como gimnasia laboral y relajamiento. Quedó evidente que las actividades de educación en salud incorporaron características de intervención dirigidas para la realidad del público blanco como sujeto activo del proceso del cuidado para mejoría de la calidad de vida.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to describe the intervention activity in health education of the extension project Saúde at the BR. It is a descriptive study, of an experience report and the activities carried out at the base of the Federal Highway Police, are part of the semester schedule of the extension project. Intervention activities included nutritional guidelines on oral health, ergonomics, use of medications and psychoactive substances and on the influence of spirituality in coping with stress situations. They were associated to the evaluation of health conditions with: blood pressure measurement, capillary glycemia and immunization, verification of anthropometric measures and evaluation of body mass index, as well as practical demonstrations of health care, such as workout and relaxation. It was evidenced that the activities of health education incorporated characteristics of intervention directed to the reality of the target public as an active subject of the process of care to improve life quality.

Sexual health knowledge and practices and STI/HIV prevalence among long-distance truck drivers in Peru.

OBJECTIVES: HIV and other sexually transmitted infections remain a challenge globally and many key groups have yet to be studied. Evidence shows that truck drivers may have high-risk behaviors and higher sexually transmitted infection/HIV prevalence because they are a highly mobile population. However, there is little to no information on this group in Peru. Therefore, we explored the sexual health knowledge and practices and carried out sexually transmitted infection/HIV testing among male truck drivers and their assistants in Peru. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing cell phone-based behavioral surveys and sexually transmitted infection testing, including HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, with truck drivers and their assistants who were traveling on two major international highways in Peru. RESULTS: A total of 1150 truck drivers and assistants participated. Participants were middle-aged men (average age = 39.8 years), 96.0% had complete secondary education, 78.4% were in stable relationships, and 88.7% earned more than minimum wage. The majority were aware of sexually transmitted infections/HIV, but very few recognized sexually transmitted infection symptoms. Few participants (under 5%) reported recent sexually transmitted infection symptoms. Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections was also low: no one had gonorrhea; 0.1% had HIV; 0.4% had recent syphilis infection (rapid plasma reagin ≥1:8); and 2.0% had chlamydia. The prevalence of these diseases is not different from that of the general population in Peru. CONCLUSION: When compared to other truck drivers worldwide, Peruvian truck drivers appear to have a lower risk of HIV/sexually transmitted infections. This may be since Peruvian drivers are older, more educated, have higher income, and spend fewer days away from home than their peers globally.

Prevalence of drugs in oral fluid from truck drivers in Brazilian highways.

Traffic accidents are responsible for 1.25 million deaths worldwide and are the most common cause of death among those aged 15-29 years. In Brazil, traffic accidents caused more than 44,000 deaths in 2014. The use of psychoactive drugs is an important risk factor for being involved in traffic accidents. Previous studies have found that psychoactive substances are commonly used by truck drivers in Brazil to maintain their extensive work schedule and stay awake while driving during nighttime hours. The state of Sao Paulo is one of the most important states regarding goods transportation. Important highways cross through Sao Paulo to other regions from Brazil and to other countries in Latin America. This study aims to determine the prevalence of illicit drug use by truck drivers in the state of Sao Paulo through toxicological analyses of oral fluid. Truck drivers were randomly stopped by police officers on federal roads during morning hours. Oral fluid samples were collected using the Quantisal™ device. In addition, a questionnaire concerning sociodemographic characteristics and health information was administered. Oral fluid samples were screened for amphetamine, cocaine, and tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) by ELISA and the confirmation was performed using ultra performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection (UPLC-MS/MS). Of the 764 drivers stopped, 762 agreed to participate. The participants were driving an average of 614km and 9.4h a day. Of the total samples, 5.2% (n=40) tested positive for drugs. Cocaine was the most frequently found drug (n=21), followed by amphetamine (n=16) and Δ9-THC (n=8). All drivers were men with an average age of 42.5 years. With these results we were able to verify that many truck drivers were still consuming psychoactive drugs while driving, and cocaine was the most prevalent one. This reinforces the need for preventive measures aimed at controlling the use of illicit drugs by truck drivers in Brazil.

Consumo de substâncias psicoativas e os aspectos ocupacionais relacionados à saúde do trabalhador caminhoneiro / Consumption of psychoactive substances and occupational aspects related to the health of truck drivers

Introdução: Atualmente, uma das preocupações no contexto social, político e econômico da Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) são as vítimas acometidas por acidentes de trânsito nas rodovias do mundo. No âmbito nacional, os motoristas de caminhão participam efetivamente do transporte terrestre de cargas nas rodovias e estão vulneráveis a diversos agentes causadores de riscos e possíveis danos à saúde. Desta forma o presente estudo teve como Objetivos: identificar o perfil sociodemográfico dos motoristas de caminhão de transporte rodoviário de carga; identificar o processo de trabalho relacionado às características laborais desses motoristas; levantar o consumo de álcool, anfetaminas e cocaína pelos condutores de caminhão e sua associação com os riscos de acidentes automobilísticos. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo epidemiológico transversal descritivo com 354 motoristas de caminhão de transporte de cargas, que, ao passarem pela barreira fiscal no posto Nhangapi, na Rodovia Presidente Dutra, foram solicitados a permanecerem no local para averiguação do veículo e dos documentos fiscais. Os motoristas de caminhão responderam a um questionário estruturado, organizado em blocos de questões que incluíam perguntas referentes ao perfil sociodemográfico, ao trabalho profissional e à saúde e aos hábitos de vida, além do questionário ASSIST. Os dados foram digitados no programa EPI INFO (versão 3.5.2) e analisados no programa - SPSS (versão 2.0). Ainda, a variável de desfecho foi o consumo de substâncias psicoativas, e as variáveis de exposição foram sociodemográficas, relacionadas à saúde e ao trabalho. O período de estudo compreendeu os anos de 2015 a 2017. Resultados: evidenciou-se entre os motoristas de caminhão: maior prevalência para o consumo moderado e alto de bebidas alcoólicas, anfetaminas e cocaína; aqueles com até 42 anos de idade e os que se declararam brancos, maior prevalência para anfetaminas; os que viviam sem parceiros, para bebidas alcoólicas; os que tinham renda per capita inferior a um salário mínimo, para três substâncias psicoativas; os que relataram dirigir por 5 horas ou mais ininterruptamente, maior prevalência para cocaína; os que exerciam sua atividade laboral no período noturno por até 8 anos, para bebidas alcoólicas; os que conseguiam descansar por até 6 horas, para anfetamina e cocaína; e os que tinham carga horária de 13 horas ou mais diárias, para três substâncias psicoativas; os que tinham autopercepção de saúde regular/ruim apresentaram maior frequência para consumo de anfetaminas; os que reportaram 1 dia ou mais de absenteísmo, para bebidas alcoólicas; os com índice de massa corporal (IMC) de baixo peso/normal, para cocaína; os que possuíam insônia, para bebidas alcoólicas e anfetaminas; já os com transtornos mentais comuns (TMC), para três substâncias psicoativas. Conclusão: tais resultados corroboram para traçar o perfil demográfico, as características laborais e o consumo de substâncias psicoativas pelos motoristas de caminhão e evidenciar que são expostos a vários fatores, os quais intervêm na qualidade de vida e saúde destes, tornando esta uma questão de saúde pública, visto que esses trabalhadores trafegam pelas rodovias e podem ocasionar acidentes de trânsito.

Introduction: Currently, one of the concerns in the social, political and economic context of the World Health Organization (WHO) are the victims of traffic accidents on the world's roads. At the national level, truck drivers are effectively involved in the land transport of loads on the roads and are vulnerable to various agents causing risks and possible damage to health. Thus, the present study had as Objectives: to identify the sociodemographic profile of the drivers of road freight transport truck; identify the work process related to their labor characteristics; collect information on alcohol, amphetamine and cocaine use by truck drivers and their association with car accident risks. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional epidemiological study analyzing 354 freight truck drivers, who, when passing through the fiscal barrier at the Nhangapi control, on the Presidente Dutra Road, were asked to remain in the place to investigate the vehicle and the tax documents. The truck drivers responded to a structured questionnaire, organized in blocks of questions that included some regarding the sociodemographic profile, professional work, health and lifestyle habits, in addition to the ASIST questionnaire. The data were entered in the EPI INFO program (version 3.5.2) and analyzed in the program - SPS (version 2.0). The outcome variable was the consumption of psychoactive substances, and the exposure variables were sociodemographic, related to health and work. The study was conducted from 2015 to 2017. Results: it was evident among truck drivers: higher prevalence of moderate and high consumption of alcoholic beverages, amphetamines and cocaine; those up to 42 years old and those who declared themselves white, higher prevalence of amphetamines; those who lived without a partner, higher prevalence of alcoholic beverages; those with per capita incomes below a minimum wage, higher prevalence of three psychoactive substances; those who stated that they were driving for 5 hours or more uninterruptedly, higher prevalence of cocaine; those who undertook their work in the night period for 8 years, higher prevalence of alcoholic beverages; those who managed to rest up to 6 hours, higher prevalence of amphetamine and cocaine; those who had a daily workload of 13 hours or more, higher prevalence of three psychoactive substances; those who had regular/poor health self-perception had a higher frequency of amphetamine use; those who reported 1 day or more of absenteeism, higher frequency of alcoholic beverages; those whose body mass index (BMI) was low weight/normal, higher frequency of cocaine; those who had insomnia, higher frequency of alcoholic beverages and amphetamines; and those with common mental disorders (CMD), higher frequency of three psychoactive substances. Conclusion: these results help to trace the demographic profile, occupational characteristics and consumption of psychoactive substances by truck drivers and show that they are exposed to several factors that intervene in their quality of life and health. It also becomes a public health issue, given that these workers travel on the roads and can cause traffic accidents.

Introducción: Actualmente, una de las preocupaciones en el contexto social, político y económico de la Organización Mundial de la Salud son las víctimas de accidentes de tránsito en las carreteras del mundo. En el ámbito nacional, los conductores de camión participan efectivamente del transporte terrestre de cargas y están vulnerables a diversos agentes causadores de riesgos y posibles daños a la salud. Siendo así, el presente estudio tuvo como Objetivos: identificar el perfil sociodemográfico de los conductores de camión de transporte de carga; identificar el proceso de trabajo relacionado a sus características laborales; recopilar información sobre consumo de alcohol, anfetaminas y cocaína por los conductores de camión y su asociación con los riesgos de accidentes automovilísticos. Métodos: Este es un estudio epidemiológico transversal descriptivo analizando a 354 conductores de camión de transporte de cargas, a los que, al pasar por la barrera de control Nhangapi, en la Carretera Presidente Dutra, se solicitó que ahí permanecieran para averiguación del vehículo y de los documentos fiscales. Los conductores de camión respondieron a un cuestionario estructurado, organizado en bloques que incluían preguntas referentes a perfil sociodemográfico, trabajo profesional, salud y hábitos de vida, además del cuestionario ASIST. En cuanto a los datos, se introdujeron en el programa EPI INFO (versión 3.5.2) y se analizaron en el programa SPS (versión 2.0). La variable de resultado fue el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas y las variables de exposición fueron sociodemográficas, relacionadas a salud y trabajo. El estudio se llevó a cabo de 2015 a 2017. Resultados: quedó evidente entre los conductores de camión: mayor prevalencia de consumo moderado y alto de bebidas alcohólicas, anfetaminas y cocaína; aquellos de hasta 42 años y los que se declararon blancos, mayor prevalencia de anfetaminas; los que vivían sin pareja, de bebidas alcohólicas; aquellos cuyos ingresos per cápita inferiores a un salario mínimo, de tres sustancias psicoactivas; los que declararon que manejaban durante 5 horas o más ininterrumpidamente, mayor prevalencia de cocaína; los que ejercían su actividad laboral en el período nocturno desde hace 8 años, de bebidas alcohólicas; los que lograban descansar hasta 6 horas, de anfetamina y cocaína; los que tenían carga laboral diaria de 13 horas o más, de tres sustancias psicoactivas; los que tenían autopercepción de salud regular/mala presentaron mayor frecuencia de consumo de anfetaminas; los que reportaron 1 día o más de absentismo, de bebidas alcohólicas; aquellos cuyo índice de masa corporal (IMC) era de peso bajo/normal, de cocaína; los que sufrían insomnio, de bebidas alcohólicas y anfetaminas; y aquellos con trastornos mentales comunes (TMC), de tres sustancias psicoactivas. Conclusión: esos resultados ayudan a trazar el perfil demográfico, las características laborales y el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas por los conductores de camión y evidenciar que están expuestos a varios factores que intervienen en su calidad de vida y salud. Se vuelve también una cuestión de salud pública, puesto que esos trabajadores transitan por las carreteras y pueden causar accidentes de tránsito.

Professional experience and traffic accidents/near-miss accidents among truck drivers.

AIM: To investigate the relationship between the time working as a truck driver and the report of involvement in traffic accidents or near-miss accidents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with truck drivers transporting products from the Brazilian grain harvest to the Port of Paranaguá, Paraná, Brazil. The drivers were interviewed regarding sociodemographic characteristics, working conditions, behavior in traffic and involvement in accidents or near-miss accidents in the previous 12 months. Subsequently, the participants answered a self-applied questionnaire on substance use. The time of professional experience as drivers was categorized in tertiles. Statistical analyses were performed through the construction of models adjusted by multinomial regression to assess the relationship between the length of experience as a truck driver and the involvement in accidents or near-miss accidents. RESULTS: This study included 665 male drivers with an average age of 42.2 (±11.1) years. Among them, 7.2% and 41.7% of the drivers reported involvement in accidents and near-miss accidents, respectively. In fully adjusted analysis, the 3rd tertile of professional experience (>22years) was shown to be inversely associated with involvement in accidents (odds ratio [OR] 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16-0.52) and near-miss accidents (OR 0.17; 95% CI 0.05-0.53). The 2nd tertile of professional experience (11-22 years) was inversely associated with involvement in accidents (OR 0.63; 95% CI 0.40-0.98). CONCLUSIONS: An evident relationship was observed between longer professional experience and a reduction in reporting involvement in accidents and near-miss accidents, regardless of age, substance use, working conditions and behavior in traffic.

Uso contínuo de medicamentos e condições de trabalho entre motoristas de caminhão / Continued use of drugs and working conditions among truck drivers

Resumo Os motoristas de caminhão têm sido pouco explorados quanto aos problemas de saúde que os acometem e, principalmente, quanto ao seu perfil de consumo de medicamentos. Este estudo teve o objetivo de determinar o uso contínuo de medicamentos, por motoristas de caminhão, e identificar as características profissionais associadas. Para a sua realização, conduziu-se um estudo transversal com motoristas de caminhão estacionados no Pátio de Triagem do Porto de Paranaguá, Paraná, Brasil. Realizou-se uma entrevista com obtenção de dados socioeconômicos, problemas de saúde, condições de trabalho e uso contínuo de medicamentos. Dos motoristas avaliados (n = 665), 21,1% referiram utilizar algum medicamento continuamente, com destaque para o captopril (10,7%), metformina (10,3%), omeprazol (6,2%) e sinvastatina (6,2%). Motoristas com dezesseis anos ou mais de experiência profissional (RP 1,67; IC 95% 1,11-2,51), proprietários do próprio caminhão (RP 1,38; IC 95% 1,03-1,86) e que não possuíam vínculo empregatício formal (RP 1,49; IC 95% 1,11-2,00) apresentaram maior prevalência de uso contínuo de medicamentos. Observa-se que algumas condições de trabalho têm importante papel do uso contínuo de medicamentos pelos motoristas de caminhão.

Abstract Few studies have been conducted on truck drivers with regard to their health problems, especially their drug consumption profile. This study aimed to determine the continuous use of drugs and to identify use-related professional characteristics among this category. A cross-sectional study was carried out with truck drivers parked at the sorting yard of the, Port of Paranaguá, Paraná. An interview to obtain socioeconomic data, data on health problems, working conditions and continued use of medication was performed. Of the drivers evaluated (n = 665), 21.1% reported a continuous use of some medication, mainly captopril (10.7%), metformin (10.3%), omeprazole (6.2%) and simvastatin (6.2%). Drivers with 16 or more years of professional experience (Prevalence Ratio [PR] 1.67; Confidence Interval [CI] 95% 1.11-2.51), truck owners (PR 1.38; CI 95% 1.03-1.86) and without formal labor contract (PR 1.49; CI 95% 1.11-2.00) had a higher prevalence of continuous use of medication. We noted that some working conditions play an important role in the continuous use of drugs by truck drivers.

Comportamentos de risco quanto ao vírus da imunodeficiência humana entre caminhoneiros / Human immunodeficiency virus risk behavior among truck drivers / Comportamientos de riesgo para infección por Virus de la inmunodeficiencia Humana entre camioneros

Os caminhoneiros formam uma categoria profissional que pode contribuir para a disseminação do Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana (HIV). O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar comportamentos de risco para a infecção pelo HIV em caminhoneiros que trafegavam na BR-381, no Brasil. Utilizou-se um formulário estruturado para identificar alguns dos comportamentos de risco desses profissionais, em 2009. Foram entrevistados 109 caminhoneiros, sendo 99,1% do sexo masculino; 47,2% relataram ter baixa escolaridade, 67,9% eram casados e 32,1% procuravam parceiras sexuais durante as viagens. Houve diferença significativa com relação à distribuição da frequência do uso do preservativo e o estado civil (p<0,001) e entre o risco ou não de contrair HIV e o fato de escolher ou não parceiras sexuais (p<0,001). Concluiu-se que há necessidade de medidas preventivas de educação para a saúde voltada exclusivamente para esses profissionais, abordando o assunto da transmissão sexual do HIV com ênfase para os riscos à saúde.

Truck drivers as a professional category can contribute to the spread of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This study aimed to identify risk behaviors for HIV infection among truck drivers traveling highway BR-381. A structured form was used to identify some of these professionals’ risk behaviors. In 2009, 109 truck drivers were interviewed: 99.1% were male, 47.2% reported little formal education, 67.9% were married, and 32.1% sought sexual partners on the road. There were significant differences between the frequency distributions of condom use and marital status (p<0.001), and between being aware or not of the risk of contracting HIV and choosing or not choosing sexual partners (p<0.001). It was concluded that there is need for preventive health education measures directed exclusively to this profession, addressing the issue of the sexual transmission of HIV, and emphasizing the health risks.

Los camioneros forman una categoría profesional que puede contribuir para la diseminación del Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana (HIV). El objetivo del estudio fue identificar el comportamiento de riesgo para infección por HIV en camioneros que transitan en la BR-381, en Brasil. Se utilizó un formulario estructurado para identificar algunos de los comportamientos de riesgo de esos profesionales, en 2009. Fueron entrevistados 109 camioneros, siendo 99,1% hombres; 47,2% reportaron tener bajo nivel de educación, 67,9% eran casados y 32,1% buscaban parejas sexuales durante el viaje. Hubo diferencia significativa con relación a la distribución de la frecuencia del uso de preservativo y el estado civil (p<0,001), y entre el riesgo o no de contraer HIV, y el hecho de escoger o no parejas sexuales (p<0,001). Se concluye que hay necesidad de medidas preventivas de educación para la salud, orientadas exclusivamente para esos profesionales, abordando el asunto de la transmisión sexual del HIV principalmente para los riesgos a la salud.

Fatigue and crashes: the case of freight transport in Colombia.

Truck drivers have been involved in a significant number of road fatalities in Colombia. To identify variables that could be associated with crashes in which truck drivers are involved, a logistic regression model was constructed. The model had as the response variable a dichotomous variable that included the presence or absence of a crash during a specific trip. As independent variables the model included information regarding a driver's work shift, with variables that could be associated with driver's fatigue. The model also included potential confounders related with road conditions. With the model, it was possible to determine the odds ratio of a crash in relation to several variables, adjusting for confounding. To collect the information about the trips included in the model, a survey among truck drivers was conducted. The results suggest strong associations between crashes (i.e., some of them statistically significant) with the number of stops made during the trip, and the average time of each stop. Survey analysis allowed us to identify the practices that contribute to generating fatigue and unhealthy conditions on the road among professional drivers. A review of national regulations confirmed the lack of legislation on this topic.