An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Mental Health Strategies on the Performance of Selected Road Freight Drivers in Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The main aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of mental health strategies on the performance of drivers in the road freight transport sector in Zimbabwe. This qualitative study guided by the Interpretivist research philosophy purposively selected 20 participants in the freight transport sector as a sample size. A structured interview guide was then used to solicit data which were analysed using thematic analysis and the data were also presented in themes. Ethical issues were considered before data were collected from research participants. Major findings of the study showed that long distance freight drivers have a great risk of stress-related mental disorders which, in turn, are associated with absenteeism, sick leave, and negative safety outcomes. The study also found that the exposure to traumatic events in long distance freight transportation, such as suicide and violence, increases the risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The research findings further showed that mental disorders represent high economic and health burdens for the long distance freight transportation drivers in the Zimbabwean transport sector. Based on the research findings, the study concluded that long and irregular hours, delivery schedules, limited access to facilities, isolation, being away from home and family, amongst other factors, can all contribute to stress, and can affect concentration and, therefore, performance and safety. The research, therefore, recommended that for many organisations, support to create positive mental health in and through work, is needed to harness operational performance in the discharge and conduct of duties. Also, development of a mental health model in this sector is needed to enhance performance in the freight transport sector in Zimbabwe.