PhD Study : Improving the health and wellbeing of lorry drivers by changing physical activity, diet and sedentary behaviours

Summary

Lorry drivers are at an increased risk of developing multiple chronic diseases including obesity, heart disease, cancer and diabetes due to high levels of physical inactivity, long periods of uninterrupted sedentary behaviour and poor diet quality(1,2). The latest census data estimates that there are approximately 8,000 lorry drivers residing in Northern Ireland and lorry driving has been described as working in an ‘active living and healthy diet desert’(3). Often drivers work long hours, predominantly spent sitting, in unsupportive physical environments which restrict the time available to effectively manage energy balance through regular physical activity and healthy eating(4). A recent study of 159 lorry drivers in England found that 84% were obese and 87% were physically inactive(5). In addition, lorry drivers accumulated a total of 13 hours sitting time in an average working day(5).  While no data exists for lorry drivers in the UK and Ireland, in the US, it is estimated that life expectancy for lorry drivers is 16 years lower than that of the general population(6). However, as a population group they have been overlooked in terms of research on effective health promotion interventions. Feasible effective occupational interventions are urgently required to improve the health and wellbeing of lorry drivers.

In addition to a systematic review of existing interventions, the current project will consist of three distinct yet complementary studies:

Study 1:

A cross-sectional study of the health and wellbeing of lorry drivers The aim of this study is to investigate levels of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and dietary intake of lorry drivers across NI. The PhD researcher will recruit a representative sample and undertake data collection, analysis and write up. Data to be collected will include but is not limited to blood pressure, anthropometry, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and dietary intake.

Study 2:

Factors affecting the health and wellbeing of lorry drivers: A qualitative analysis Structured interviews will be undertaken with lorry drivers and stakeholders to gain an understanding of the factors that affect health and wellbeing. Information will be obtained on access to leisure and cooking facilities, the challenges of leading an active lifestyle while “on the road” and the acceptability of health interventions.

Study 3:

The effectiveness of a health promotion intervention on levels of physical activity and dietary intake of lorry drivers. Based on existing evidence and the findings of study one and two and in collaboration with the supervisory team, the PhD researcher will develop and deliver a health promotion intervention for lorry drivers in NI.

This PhD will be based at the Magee campus.

References:

1. Sieber et al. (2014) Am J Ind Med. 57, 615-626.

2. Sangaleti et al. (2014) BMC Public Health. 14, 1063.

3. Apostolopoulos et al. (2012) J Phys Act Health. 9, 259-269.

4. Gilson et al. (2017) BMC Public Health. 17, 467.

5. Varela-Mato et al. (2017) BMJ Open. 7, e013162.

6. Saltzman & Belzer (2007) Truck Driver Occupational Safety & Health Conference and Selective Literature Review. Available at: https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/6877.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living