Road traffic delays in commuting workplace and musculoskeletal health among sedentary workers: A cross-sectional study in Dhaka city

Exploring the impact of occupational factors on low back pain in ride-sharing motorbike drivers in Bangladesh: A comprehensive cross-sectional analysis

Objective

Low back pain (LBP) is a major global public health issue, prevalent among various occupational groups worldwide. However, existing studies have predominantly focused on sedentary workers in developed nations, leaving a gap in understanding LBP prevalence and associated factors among occupational cohorts in low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and occupational factors contributing to LBP among ride-sharing motorbike drivers (RSMD) in Bangladesh.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Dhaka city from May 20 to August 08, 2023. Data were collected from Bangladeshi adult RSMD using a paper-based questionnaire developed by Eriksen et al. Chi-square or Fisher's Exact tests compared categorical variables with and without LBP, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed with LBP as the dependent variable and various predictors to compute adjusted odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval.

Results

The one-month prevalence of LBP was 58.8%. Regression analysis revealed elevated adjusted odds of experiencing LBP among participants with hypertension, those using multiple ride-sharing operators, commuter and older bike users, and non-users of riding kits. Additionally, increased adjusted odds of LBP were observed among participants of higher age, higher body mass index, and those covering longer distances per week.

Conclusion

This study underscores a significantly higher prevalence of LBP among RSMD in Bangladesh, with occupational factors strongly predicting LBP. Implementing strategies such as regular physical exercise, weight reduction, using sports and newer motorbikes, and reducing working hours per week may help mitigate the prevalence of LBP within this cohort.

Association between commuting time and work-related low back pain with respect to sports and leisure activities in Korean workers

Long commuting times can induce work-related low back pain (LBP), which can be exacerbated by reduced sports and leisure activities. However, there is a lack of empirical research on commuting time and work-related LBP in Korea. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between commuting time and work-related LBP as well as the effect of sports and leisure activities on Korean workers. We utilized data from the sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey to analyze the relationship between commuting time and work-related LBP using multivariable logistic regression. The total number of included workers was 28,202. Workers without sports and leisure activities, and long commuting times (40-59, 60-79, and ≥80 min) showed significantly higher odds ratios for work-related LBP (1.29 [95% Confidence intervals=1.12-1.49], 1.42 [1.22-1.65], and 1.96 [1.68-2.28], respectively). However, in workers with sports and leisure activities, the results were significant only for commuting times of 60-79 and ≥80 min (1.41 [1.13-1.75], 1.60 [1.28-1.99], respectively). Long commuting times were associated with work-related LBP, and engagement in sports and leisure activities was found to play a role in mitigating the impact among Korean wage workers.

Physiotherapy combined with dry needling among patients with chronic low back pain: Study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial

Background

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is an extremely common public health concern responsible for pain-related disability. CLBP is challenging to manage despite having a plethora of treatment options. Physiotherapy is a guideline-recommended treatment for CLBP. Furthermore, some forms of complementary medicines, such as dry needling, spinal manipulation, Tai Chi, and yoga are also recommended for CLBP treatment. We hypothesized that the combined treatment would be more effective when managing CLBP. Therefore, this randomized clinical trial aims to examine the impact of combined therapy of dry needling and physiotherapy compared to the treatment effect of only physiotherapy among patients with CLBP.

Methods

The study is a two-armed single-center, randomized controlled clinical superiority trial where participants are randomized to combined therapy of usual care physiotherapy and dry needling or only usual care physiotherapy (1:1). Individuals who are 18 years or older and experiencing LBP with or without leg pain for a minimum of three months will be considered eligible for the study. Pain severity, pain affective and physical interference, activity limitation, and insomnia symptoms of patients with CLBP will be measured at the baseline after four, 12 and 24-week treatment started.

Conclusion

Finding a better management strategy for managing CLBP is an ongoing challenge. Most of the novel techniques that try to manage CLBP are limitedly tested. This study will allow testing of the combined effect of usual care physiotherapy and dry needling when managing CLBP in terms of clinical efficacy. If the combined therapy is proven significantly effective, compared to usual care physiotherapy alone will provide plausible evidence of an effective treatment option to manage CLBP.

Trial registration

Clinical Trial Registry-India; trial registration number- CTRI/2022/09/045625.

Employment-related musculoskeletal complications experienced by the physical therapists in Bangladesh: a comprehensive cross-sectional case study

Background

Dentists, nurses, and physical therapists have all been associated with an increased risk of work-related diseases. The findings of studies in these different occupations might aid in the development of preventative measures. In Bangladesh, however, no comparable evidence has been recorded among physical therapists. The study’s goal was to find out the prevalence of work-related physical problems at different anatomical locations, as well as the link between these disorders and treatment strategies across Bangladeshi physical therapists.

Methods

A physical and online survey of Bangladeshi physical therapists was done. A total of 300 questionnaires were given out, with work-related discomfort or pain detected in nine locations of the body: (1) neck, (2) shoulder, (3) elbow, (4) wrists, (5) upper back, (6) lumbar, (7) thighs, (8) knee, and (9) ankle.

Results

85.5% of Bangladeshi physical therapists suffer musculoskeletal problems, according to the results of this research. The neck (25.7%), lower back (15.2%), elbow (12.3%), ankle (8.6%), and shoulder (8.6%) were the most often affected locations (7.1%). Upper back (3.0%) and hips (2.2%) ailments had the lowest prevalence.

Conclusion

Work-related musculoskeletal illnesses were common among the Bangladeshi physical therapists, especially in their neck, lower back, elbow, and ankle regions.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection altered the factors associated with headache: evidence from a multicenter community-based case-control study

INTRODUCTION

Headache is one of the significant global public health concerns. Furthermore, it is a standard feature of patients with acute and postacute COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to estimate and compare the prevalence of headaches among postacute COVID and non-COVID individuals and identify and contrast the risk factors between both groups.

METHODS

This was a multicenter case-control study. Individuals who had recovered from acute SARS-CoV-2 infection were considered "case", and those who never tested positive for COVID-19 were considered "control." Headaches were measured using the musculoskeletal subscale of the subjective health complaints scale. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of headaches.

RESULTS

A total of 878 individuals (439 cases) aged 38.30 ± 12.77 years (mean ± standard deviation) participated in this study. The prevalence of headaches was 26.2% among COVID-19 survivors; however, only 10.7% of unaffected participants reported headaches at the same time. Regression analyses suggested that the recovery duration from acute COVID-19 ≤ 90 days (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.03, CI = 1.13-3.65) was the only predictor of headache among postacute COVID-19 survivors. However, the female gender (AOR = 3.09, 95% CI = 1.51-6.32), members of a joint family (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.02-3.90), and city dwellers (AOR = 2.43, 95% CI = 0.94-6.25) were the predictor of headache among non-COVID participants.

CONCLUSION

This study found a higher prevalence of headaches among COVID-19 survivors. In addition, predictors of headache among cases and controls were unmatched, indicating heterogenous impact of COVID-19 on human health. The health care providers should be informed of the study's results when discussing better practices to mitigate the burden of headaches.

Musculoskeletal health complaints: A growing concern that should be investigated elaborately in Bangladesh

Evidence from the past few decades suggests that the most increases in disability-related musculoskeletal health complaints (MHC) have occurred in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Past studies identified long sitting, higher commute time to the office, and traffic congestion predictors of MHC in Bangladesh. Additionally, post-acute COVID-19 patients reported MHC at a higher rate in Bangladesh. Further studies are needed to recommend exclusive initiatives from authorities to tackle the upcoming tsunami of MHC in LMICs, for example, in Bangladesh.

SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with low back pain: findings from a community-based case-control study

OBJECTIVES

Pain is a significant complaint of patients with postacute COVID-19 syndrome; however, little is known about the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and pain. This study aimed to (1) examine the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and low back pain (LBP) and (2) identify independent predictors of LBP among survivors of COVID-19.

METHODS

This case-control study involved 878 participants aged ≥18 years. Data were collected from February 24 to April 7, 2022, in Bangladesh. LBP was measured using the musculoskeletal subscale of subjective health complaints produced by Eriksen et al. Descriptive analysis was performed to compute LBP prevalence and compare the prevalence across groups. Multiple logistic analyses helped to identify the predictors of LBP for survivors of COVID-19.

RESULTS

Overall, 20% of participants reported LBP; however, the prevalence of LBP was significantly high among patients with postacute COVID-19 compared with their counterparts (24.4% vs 15.7%, P = 0.001). Regression analysis for all participants suggested that SARS-CoV-2 infection was independently associated with LBP (adjusted odds ratio 1.837, 95% confidence interval 1.253-2.692). However, moderate COVID-19 symptom (adjusted odds ratio 1.754, 95% confidence interval 0.984-3.126) was the only statistically significant predictor of LBP among postacute COVID-19 patients.

CONCLUSION

SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with LBP, and moderate COVID-19 symptom was an independently associated factor of LBP. The health care facilities must be prepared to deal with the burden of LBP among patients with postacute COVID-19.

Is Coronavirus Infection Associated With Musculoskeletal Health Complaints? Results From a Comprehensive Case-Control Study

Objective:

This case-control study investigated the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and musculoskeletal health complaints (MHC). The specific aims of the study were (1) to compare the 1-month prevalence of MHC among post-acute COVID-19 patients and participants who never tested positive for COVID-19 matched by the former group’s age and gender; (2) to identify the predictors of MHC among all participants, and (3) define the factors independently associated with MHC in post-acute COVID-19 patients.

Methods and Analysis:

The study was conducted in Bangladesh from February 24 to April 7, 2022. The face-to-face interview was taken using a paper-based semi-structured questionnaire. MHC was measured using the musculoskeletal subscale of subjective health complaints produced by Eriksen et al. Descriptive analysis was conducted to compute MHC prevalence and compare them across groups. Multiple logistic analyses were employed to identify MHC predictors for the participants.

Results:

The prevalence of MHC was 38.7%. Adjusted analysis suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 infection was independently associated with MHC (AOR = 3.248,95% CI = 2.307-4.571). Furthermore, unemployment (AOR = 4.156, 95% CI = 1.308-13.208), moderate illness (AOR = 2.947,95% CI = 1.216-7.144), treatment in hospitals’ general word (AOR = 4.388,95% CI = 1.878-10.254) and health complaints after COVID-19 (AOR = 4.796,95% CI = 2.196-10.472) were found to be the predictors of MHC among post-acute COVID-19 patients.

Conclusion:

Our study found a robust association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and MHC and recommends that healthcare authorities be prepared to deal with the high burden of MHC among post-acute COVID-19 patients.