O13
AN EXPLORATION OF BARRIERS AND FACILITATORS TO HEALTHY EATING IN UK HEAVY GOODS VEHICLE DRIVERS
K. B. Ruettger, Loughborough University, UK
Background:
The working environment of Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers promotes unhealthy lifestyle behaviours including physical inactivity and poor dietary choices. This leads to high levels of chronic diseases and a reduced life expectancy in comparison to other occupational groups. However, little is known about how drivers in the UK perceive their working environment and how this affects their food choices.
Aims:
This study aimed to gain a better understanding of HGVs drivers’ needs regarding healthy food choices whilst on the road to better inform future health promotion programmes and policy needs.
Methods:
Individual semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted, allowing an in-depth exploration of HGV drivers’ experiences. The interview guide was grounded within the theoretical domains framework. Audio recordings were anonymised and transcribed verbatim and data analysed using thematic analysis.
Results:
Ten drivers (8 male) were interviewed with a mean age of 49 years (SD 9.7). The most frequently mentioned barriers to healthy eating were limited availability of affordable healthy food options at truck stops, food storage limitations, and limited time for food preparation during the shift. Commonly reported facilitators to improve drivers’ diet were flexible break times, shorter shifts, secure parking places and/or better-equipped vehicles.
Conclusions:
HGV drivers perceive that a broad range of factors affect their eating behaviours. This study highlights the importance of developing health interventions specifically targeted to this underserved occupational group to inform policy changes and to improve HGV driver’s working environment and health outcomes.
