Am J Ind Med A Novel COVID-19 Based Truck Driver Syndemic? Implications for Public Health, Safety, and Vital Supply Chains

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Am J Ind Med


. 2020 May 26.
doi: 10.1002/ajim.23138. Online ahead of print.
A Novel COVID-19 Based Truck Driver Syndemic? Implications for Public Health, Safety, and Vital Supply Chains


Michael Kenneth Lemke ¹ , Yorghos Apostolopoulos ² , Sevil S?nmez ³



Affiliations

• PMID: 32452556
• DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23138

Abstract

U.S. long-haul truck drivers traverse great distances and interact with numerous individuals, rendering them vulnerable to acquiring and transmitting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Together, the unique co-occurrence of pronounced health disparities and known COVID-19 infection, morbidity, and mortality risks suggest the possibility of a novel COVID-19 based truck driver syndemic due to advanced driver age and endemic health issues. In turn, COVID-19 sequelae may perpetuate existing health disparities. The co-occurrence of afflictions may also result in compromised safety performance. To curb the likelihood of a COVID-19 based truck driver syndemic, several action stepsare needed. First, key COVID-19 metrics need to be established for this population. Second, relationships between long-haul trucker network attributes and COVID-19 spread need to bedelineated. Third, mutually reinforcing interactions between endemic health disparities and COVID-19 vulnerability need to be elucidated. Finally, grounded in the aforementioned steps, policies and interventions need to be identified and implemented.

Keywords: COVID-19; health disparities; roadway safety; syndemics; truck drivers.