Weight Control Intervention for Truck Drivers: The SHIFT Randomized Controlled Trial, United States

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Safety and Health Involvement For Truckers (SHIFT) intervention with a randomized controlled design.

Methods: The multicomponent intervention was a weight-loss competition supported with body weight and behavioral self-monitoring, computer-based training, and motivational interviewing. We evaluated intervention effectiveness with a cluster-randomized design involving 22 terminals from 5 companies in the United States in 2012 to 2014. Companies were required to provide interstate transportation services and operate at least 2 larger terminals. We randomly assigned terminals to intervention or usual practice control conditions. We assessed participating drivers (n = 452) at baseline and 6 months.

Results: In an intent-to-treat analysis, the postintervention difference between groups in mean body mass index change was 1.00 kilograms per meters squared (P < .001; intervention = -0.73; control = +0.27). Behavioral changes included statistically significant improvements in fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity.

Conclusions: Results establish the effectiveness of a multicomponent and remotely administered intervention for producing significant weight loss among commercial truck drivers.

Figures

FIGURE 1—

Consort Diagram: Safety and Health Involvement For Truckers (SHIFT) Randomized Controlled Trial, United States, 2012–2014 Note. In the intervention arm, we defined completing intervention criteria as submitting 15 or more body weight and behavior logs, passing 4 training units with 80% correct or better, and completing 4 motivational interviewing phone calls. aIntent-to-treat analyses were performed. All participants who completed enrollment were included in analyses.

FIGURE 2—

Intervention Effects Over 6 Months in an Intent-to-Treat Analysis Indicated by Adjusted Mean Changes in (a) Body Mass Index (BMI) and (b) Body Weight: Safety and Health Involvement For Truckers (SHIFT) Randomized Controlled Trial, United States, 2012–2014 Note. BMI SE = 0.14 for both intervention and control. Weight SE = 0.38 for control and 0.44 for intervention. *P < .001.