Document Type

Capstone Experience

Graduation Date

5-2022

Degree Name

Master of Public Health

Department

Environmental, Agricultural & Occupational Health

First Committee Member

Dr. Aaron Yoder

Second Committee Member

Dr. Sharon Medcalf

Third Committee Member

Dr. Ann Fruhling

Abstract

Due to the sedentary nature of professional truck driving (among other high-risk behaviors and hazardous exposures) many suffer from acute and chronic health conditions. There are many potential hazards in the professional driving profession. Many of these hazards come from those that transport hazardous materials. Figuring out what health and environmental indicators are important to measure can be a way to minimize hazards. Continuous health monitoring technology may be an option to detect disease and alert professional drivers when vital signs indicate impending health crises. Before this can be implemented, it will be important to evaluate the perception of wearable technology and if it is a feasible option for this population.

The purpose of this study is to look at such perceptions from professional drivers and to explore whether they would accept wearable technology that monitors their health and the surrounding environment. This project analyzed qualitative focus group data and quantitative survey data from professional drivers. Survey results showed, that respondents hauled hazardous material (67%). 187 or 86% of respondents said yes to using wearable technology. For comments from the 14% that do not use wearable technology, usefulness, interest, and understanding of how to use the technology were the reasons why. A majority of the respondents were either extremely confident (52%) or very confident (29%) in their ability to operate wearable technology. The top 3% that said yes to types of health information were (Stability 85%, Heart rate 81%, and Hydration level 73%). The top 3% that said yes to types of environmental information were (oxygen, temperatures, and flammable gases). These results support that professional drivers would potentially support the use of technology to monitor their health. There was no insight on costs, but multiple respondents commented on usefulness as a problem.

Share

COinS