The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #59931

Debra Gay Anderson, PhD, College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, HSLC #551, Lexington, KY 40536, 859-257-3410, danders@pop.uky.edu

The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence and distribution of workplace violence among long-haul truck drivers. An average of 20 workers are murdered each week in the U.S.; an estimated 18,000 workers per week are victims of non-fatal assault; and, homicide is the leading cause of death among U.S. women in the workplace. The specific aims are to: (1) identify the types of violence experienced by long-haul truck drivers; (2) identify risk factors that contribute to the violence; (3) differentiate the risks of work-related stress among distinct socio-demographic groups of truckers; (4) determine the prevalence of domestic violence experienced by long-haul truck drivers; and (5) identify work environment factors that place truck drivers' at risk. The aims of this project are consistent with the Healthy People 2010 objectives that address the reduction of work-related homicides (Objective 20-5) and work-related assaults (Objective 20-6). A cross-sectional quantitative survey will be conducted with a non-probability sample (N = 1400) recruited at truck shows and truck stops across the U.S. Data will be collected on violence-related variables (e.g. harassment, weapons, assault, rape, robbery, worksite security, fatigue, psychological strain, and substance abuse). Qualitative data on violence at the worksite will be collected via phone interviews with a purposive sample of 30 female and 30 male participants. Dependent on the specific aim, bivariate relationships, logistic regression, discriminant analysis, Cronbach's alpha, and ANCOVA will be used. Constant-comparative methods and content analysis matrices will be used to describe, analyze, and interpret the qualitative data.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe incidence and distribution of workplace violence among female and male long-haul truck drivers.
• Determine work environment factors that place workers at risk for violence.

Keywords: Workplace Safety, Violence

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.