Assessing the Health Status and Needs of Informal Workers at Texas Truck Stops.

BACKGROUND

The experiences of informal workers are often characterized by homelessness, social isolation, lack of access to health care, mental illness, and substance use. The aim of this study is to conduct an assessment of the health status and needs of informal workers at truck stops.

METHODS

This study took place at multiple Texas truck stops in 2017, where 25 informal male workers participated in a semi-structured interview and demographic survey. Recorded interviews were transcribed and coded, and a thematic analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

The primary themes were the following: (1) substance use; (2) mental illness; (3) criminal justice involvement; (4) lack of access to health care; and (5) lack of access to transportation.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the need for health promotion programming at truck stops. Interventions at truck stops would need to be multifaceted to address the multiple layers of disenfranchisement and marginalization.