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

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.