Martinez, A (2011). Attityder hos lastbilsförare gällande mat i samband med långa -respektive korta transportsträckor. Akademin för hälsa och arbetsliv, Högskolan i Gävle.

AbstractBackground: The profession as a lorry driver is in many aspects very risky. Factors such as time directive, poor diet and shift work characterize the profession and puts drivers' health at risk. Current research shows that the vast majority of lorry drivers are overweight, suffer from high stress related to work and have on average a very low consumption of fruits and vegetables. All these factors may be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and impaired quality of life. Purpose: To investigate the attitudes of the lorry drivers regarding food and meals in connection with the long, short and combined distances.Materials: A convenience sample was used in connection with this study, as professional drivers are a difficult study target. A total of 50 lorry drivers with three different professional backgrounds were investigated, long distance, distribution (short) and combined driving. In total the loss amounted to ten drivers, which means a shortfall of 20 percent.Design and Methods: A cross-sectional study was used as a diagnostic method for the analysis of individual factors in relation to attitudes. The above quantitative design was chosen because it effectively facilitates the study of large groups. Data collection was conducted with a questionnaire consisting of 21 questions. All questions were graded from 1-7 using the Likert- scale, which is a useful grading tool for attitudes and is also the correct scale level in relationship to this study. Results: The results show that there are no significant differences in attitudes between drivers who drive long, short – or combined distances. In addition the independent variables, do not affect the results. However, the driver’s exhibit similar attitude settings for individual study factors and the results show that there is a neutral attitude toward the social aspect of meals, while “mood” as a factor during food consumption is very important.Discussion: In order to improve lorry drivers working conditions and attitudes to food in a work setting, it requires knowledge of the individual factors that influence the attitudes of the profession. Attitudes are an important part of individual decision making and behavior. By examining the attitudes of lorry drivers on individual factors we can effectively streamline public health efforts to improve this vulnerable profession. Further research is needed to investigate the underlying and individual factors that determine the lorry driver’s food choices in relationship to work, however, this study can also be used in the continuing effort to improve lorry driver’s health and wellbeing.

Keywords: Lorry drivers, food, nutrition and health risk