Prevalence and Risk Factors for Low Back Pain Among Professional Drivers in Kano, Nigeria

Evaluation of low back pain status and affecting factors in drivers in Turkey: A cross-sectional study1

BACKGROUND

Low back pain (LBP) is a common public health problem resulting in workforce loss.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the LBP status and its affecting factors among drivers in a city in southeast Turkey.

METHODS

This cross-sectional questionnaire survey study was conducted among 323 drivers. The chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

The mean age of the drivers was 41.7±11.5 years (min: 19, max: 70), and 83.9% were married, and all were men. LBP was found in 59.4% of drivers. It was significantly higher in drivers with poor socioeconomic status, dissatisfied with their life, having a chronic illness, physically inactive, having sleep disorders, exposed to bad road conditions, prolonged vibration, high physical- psychological workload, and a family history of LBP (p <  0.05). There was no significant association between age, education level, and BMI with LBP (p >  0.05).

CONCLUSION

There is limited study on this subject in Turkey. Further studies can raise awareness about this issue and create an educational plan.

Prevalence of low back pain in professional drivers: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This meta-review aimed to investigate the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) in professional drivers.

STUDY DESIGN

This study is a meta-analysis.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for cross-sectional studies on the prevalence of LBP in professional drivers up to August 2023. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality was utilized for cross-sectional analytical studies. Statistical analysis of the included outcome indicators was conducted using Stata 16.0. The prevalence of LBP among professional drivers was measured using the random effects model, and heterogeneity was evaluated utilizing subgroup analysis. This meta-analysis review was registered with PROSPERO on April 28, 2023, under the registration number CRD42023422205.

RESULTS

In total, 1, 558 results met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 53 studies were included. The meta-analysis results indicated that professional drivers had a LBP prevalence of 35.0%, 95%CI (0.266, 0.433) for one week, 33.80%, 95%CI (0.233, 0.443) for one month, and 55.30%, 95%CI (0.503,0.603) for one year. In the global population of professional drivers, the prevalence of LBP was 56.0%, 95%CI (0.472, 0.648) and 54.5%, 95%CI (0.488, 0.602) without and with a history and high risk of LBP, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

LBP remains prevalent among international drivers and has multiple contributing factors, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and prevention strategies.

Self-Reported Work-Related Musculoskeletal Problems and Associated Risk Factors Among Three-Wheel Car Drivers in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Community-Based Study

Background

Globally, the demand for mobility is increasing. Three-wheel cars are one of the best options for meeting this demand and creating new job opportunities in most developing countries, including Ethiopia. Drivers are highly susceptible to developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Even though several studies on other groups of drivers have been conducted, little is done in Ethiopia among three-wheel car drivers.

Objective

This study investigated the prevalence of MSDs and identified their associated risk factors among three-wheel car drivers in Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional research was conducted among drivers of three-wheel cars from August 05 to October 07, 2022. A stratified sampling followed by a simple random sampling technique was used to select 422 respondents. Structured and pretested questionnaires adapted from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire were used to collect the data. Epi-data version 4.2.0.0 and SPSS version 20 were used to enter and analyze the collected data, respectively.

Results

In the previous 12 months, 62.45% of three-wheel car drivers had musculoskeletal disorders in any body region (95% CI: 58.36, 66.14). The back pain was the most frequently reported site of pain in this study. This study showed that the habit of doing physical exercise, work experience, site of service, taking rest breaks while driving, and having comfortable sitting posture was risk factor for musculoskeletal pain.

Conclusion

In this study, the overall 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal problems among three-wheel car drivers was high. Periodic health checkups for drivers, lifestyle changes, delivering training, and creating awareness are important to address this high-burden occupation-related problem.

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) and its association with modifiable risk factors in metropolitan bus transit drivers: A cross-sectional comparison

Background

Bus drivers are one of the top three occupations with the highest prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). The present study aimed to determine the pattern and prevalence of WRMSD among metropolitan bus transit drivers, whose job profiles differ from traditional long-distance bus drivers, and to explore the effect of modifiable lifestyle-related risk factors.

Materials and Methods

In this cross-sectional study, consenting 254 metropolitan transit bus drivers (with at least five years of job duration) and 73 age-matched indoor desk job workers (administration staff of the same department) as a comparison group enrolled. Sociodemographic and occupational profile were collected on a semi-closed questionnaire. A modified Nordic questionnaire was used to determine musculoskeletal problems. Anthropometric measurement and haematocrit estimation were performed with standard techniques. All statistical analyses including logistic regression were performed with SPSS 26.0.

Results

The prevalence of WRMSDs among bus drivers was twice higher than administration staff (49.2% v/s 28.8%). Drivers experienced significantly higher pain for the lower back (36.6% v/s 11%), knee (29.5% v/s 15.1%), and hip (7.5% v/s 1.4%) in comparison with administration staff. Study reported age, tobacco usage, body mass index (BMI) and job profile of drivers (compared to administration staff) as significant predictors of WRMSDs.

Conclusion

WRMSDs were significantly higher among metropolitan bus transit drivers in comparison with administrative staff. Furthermore, WRMSDs are strongly associated with tobacco use and BMI. These modifiable risk factors may be the targets for preventive strategies to reduce the burden of WRMSDs among bus drivers.

Low back pain among professional bus drivers: a cross-sectional study from Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition contributing to impaired quality of life among professional vehicle drivers. Our study aimed to assess LBP prevalence and associated factors among professional bus drivers in Bangladesh.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 368 professional bus drivers using a semi-structured questionnaire. A Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) subscale was used to measure LBP. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with LBP.

RESULTS

In the last month, 127 (34.51%) participants reported experiencing pain or discomfort in the lower backside. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age of more than 40 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.07, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14 to 3.75), the income of more than 15,000 BDT per month (aOR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.11 to 3.26), work duration more than ten years (aOR: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.12 to 5.70), working more than 15 days per month (aOR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.02 to 3.65), working more than 10 h per day (aOR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.05 to 5.75), poor condition of the driving seat (aOR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.08 to 3.02), current smoking habit (aOR: 9.71, 95% CI: 1.25 to 75.15), illicit substances use (aOR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.11 to 3.48), and four hours or less sleeping time per day (aOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.09 to 3.06) were positively associated with LBP.

CONCLUSION

The high burden of LBP among the participants calls for a focus on this vulnerable group's occupational health and safety, with particular emphasis on implementing standard measures.

Prevalence and associated factors of low back pain among taxi drivers in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of low back pain and associated factors among professional taxi drivers.

DESIGN

Community-based cross-sectional study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to collect data. Through a simple random sampling technique, 371 taxi drivers were selected in Gondar City, Ethiopia.

DATA ANALYSIS

SPSS V.22 was used for data analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with low back pain. A p value less than 0.05 and an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI were used to declare statistical significance.

RESULT

A total of 371 respondents, with a response rate of 95.4%, have participated. The past 1 year and week's prevalence of low back pain among taxi drivers was 85.7% (95% CI 82.5 to 89.2) and 53.4% (95% Cl 48.0 to 58.5), respectively. Overweight/obese (AOR=0.33, 95% CI (0.14 to 0.80)), alcohol drinking (AOR=4.77, 95% CI (1.16 to 19.5)), job dissatisfaction (AOR=4.58, 95% CI (1.39 to 15.2)), prolonged working hours per day (AOR=2.64; 95% CI (1.02 to 6.08)), not using the adjustable seat with back support (AOR=6.38, 95% CI (2.39 to 17.01)) were associated with low back pain among taxi drivers.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of low back pain among taxi drivers was high. Being overweight/obese, alcohol drinking, job dissatisfaction, prolonged working hours per day, and not using adjustable seats with back support, were factors associated with low back pain among taxi drivers. Therefore, ergonomic and behavioural-related awareness training is recommended to minimise the burden of low back pain among taxi drivers.

Prevalence of chronic non-specific low back pain among caregivers of stroke survivors in Kano, Nigeria and factors associated with it: A cross-sectional study

Purpose

Low back pain (LBP) may have a specific or non-specific cause such as abnormal posture or repetitive tasks. For instance, lifting and transferring patients during caregiving for stroke survivors may predispose the caregivers to LBP.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of chronic non-specific LBP and factors associated with it in caregivers of stroke survivors.

Method

The research design used is cross-sectional study design. Participants of the study were caregivers of stroke survivors in Kano, Nigeria who were at least 18 years old. They were included if they had at least one-month experience with caregiving for at least 1 h per day. Presence of LBP and level of disability were assessed using participants' self-report and Rolland Morris Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire respectively. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive, Chi-square statistics and Binary Logistics Regression.

Result

Three hundred caregivers with mean age, 33.24 ± 10.32 years in which 207 and 93 were males and females respectively, participated in the study. The results showed that, there was a high prevalence (64.7%) of LBP among the caregivers. The prevalence was significantly associated with gender (p < 0.001), age (p = 0.029), occupation (p < 0.001) and duration of caregiving (p < 0.001) of the study participants. In addition, the result of the regression model showed that, being a female (p = 0.001), a civil servant (p = 0.031), a trader (p = 0.013), and a complete caregiver (0.001); and caregiving for a duration of 5 h or more per day (p = 0.024) are significant predictors of having LBP. Similarly, level of disability due to the presence of LBP among the study participants was significantly associated with gender (p < 0.001), occupation (p < 0.001), duration of caregiving (p = 0.025), and the nature of the caregiving (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Informal caregiving for stroke survivors may result in developing chronic non-specific LBP, especially among females, Civil servants, traders, complete caregivers and those with long duration of caregiving. This can add an additional burden on the family in terms of cost of care, result in reduced quality of caregiving and cause psychological stress. Thus, it is important the health of the caregivers of stroke survivors is considered during stroke rehabilitation.

Self-Reported Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms among Bus Drivers in the Taipei Metropolitan Area

Bus driving is considered a highly stressful and unhealthy occupation, even among sedentary jobs, because of the particular task characteristics. This study used the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) to interview bus drivers and determine the risk factors for musculoskeletal discomfort. The NMQ was distributed to 152 bus drivers in the Taipei metropolitan area (Taiwan) and the valid data of 145 respondents were analyzed. The survey revealed that the overall prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder symptoms in any body part during the preceding year was 78.3%, and the body parts for which with the prevalence of discomfort was highest were the neck (46.9%), right shoulder (40.0%), lower back (37.2%), and left shoulder (33.8%). Stress and an uncomfortable seat may contribute to neck, shoulder, and lower back discomfort. Stretching between trips may help to reduce neck and shoulder discomfort. When comparing our results with those of similar studies, we discovered that the prevalence of symptoms and detailed risk factors vary by country and region. On this basis, we believe that local investigations emphasizing specific task arrangements and characteristics are needed to address the problem of musculoskeletal disorders in bus drivers.

Musculoskeletal Disorders Associated with Occupational Driving: A Systematic Review Spanning 2006–2021

Several occupations require workers to spend long periods of time driving road vehicles. This occupational task is associated with musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this review was to collate, synthesize, and analyze research reporting on musculoskeletal disorders associated with occupational driving, in order to develop a volume of evidence to inform occupational disorder mitigation strategies. A systematic search of academic databases (PubMed, EBSCO host, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) was performed using key search terms. Eligible studies were critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists. A Cohen’s kappa analysis was used to determine interrater agreement between appraisers. Of the 18,254 identified studies, 25 studies were selected and appraised. The mean critical appraisal score is 69% (range 38–100%), with a fair level of agreement (k = 0.332). The studies report that musculoskeletal disorders, most commonly lower back pain, is of concern in this population, particularly in truck, bus, and taxi drivers. Risk factors for these occupations include long hours in a sitting position, years in the profession, vehicle ergonomics, and vibration.

Prevalence of lower back pain and its relationship with driving postures among drivers in Taif, Saudi Arabia

Background:

Lower back pain (LBP) is well-known as the most common musculoskeletal condition with 80% of lifetime prevalence. The effects of LBP on cultural, social, and public health continue to increase. It brings in billions of dollars of medical costs. This study assessed the prevalence of LBP among car drivers with the wrong driving position in Taif.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study using an electronic questionnaire in English translated to Arabic, which included questions about driving with wrong postures, lower back pain, and its correlation.

Results:

91.1% of participants satisfied our inclusion criteria for the data analysis. The prevalence of lower back pain in this study was about 44.1% (n = 659). It was more among those aged >40 years (50.9%) compared to other age groups, which showed a statistically significant association (P < 0.001). It was found that 54.4% (n = 813) had been driving in a wrong posture, and there was a strong association observed between this wrong posture and LBP (51.8%) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of LBP was high among drivers. This study calls for implanting health education and awareness programs about LBP and its risk factors.

Occupational lower back pain and associated factors among taxi drivers in Mekelle city, north Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Objectives. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of lower back pain (LBP) among taxi drivers working in Mekelle city, Tigray, Ethiopia in 2018. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2018 on a sample of 294 male taxi drivers in Mekelle city, Tigray, Ethiopia. A self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to collect data. Independent variables that had a significant association were identified using logistic regression models. Results were reported using texts and frequency distribution tables. Results. From a total sample of 304 male drivers, 294 taxi drivers participated; hence, the response rate was 96.7%. Prevalence of self-reported LBP in the past 12 months among taxi drivers was 27.9%. Average daily hours of driving (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.296, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.194, 4.416]), using lumbar support while driving (AOR 2.075, 95% CI [1.130, 3.808]) and lack of ergonomic awareness (AOR 2.478, 95% CI [1.343, 4.575]) were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with LBP among taxi drivers. Conclusion. Prevalence of LBP in this study was more than a quarter. Average daily hours driving, use of lumbar support and ergonomics awareness were significant determinants of LBP among taxi drivers.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among professional drivers: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Professional drivers are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal pain (MSP) due to risk factors such as prolonged sitting, whole body vibration, awkward posture, and repetitive actions. This review investigates the reported prevalence of MSP among professional drivers.

METHODS

An electronic search of Medline (1946 + via OvidSP), Embase (1974 + OvidSP), CINAHL (1982+), AMED, PubMed, and Web of Science from 1990 to July 2019 was performed. Methodological quality of studies was assessed using three quality assessment tools for cross-sectional, case-control, and prospective cohort studies. The prevalence of MSP was reported using descriptive analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 56 studies conducted in 23 different countries across a total of 14 types of occupational transport were reviewed. Data of a total pooled population of 18 882 professional drivers were analyzed for MSP. The prevalence of MSP ranged between 43.1% and 93%. The low back was the most frequently reported body region for MSP with a meta-prevalence rate of 53% (N = 9998). Neck, shoulder, and upper back were the other common regions with high prevalence.

CONCLUSION

There is a high prevalence of MSP in professional drivers and low back was the most frequently reported body region, followed by neck, upper back, shoulder, knee, hip/thigh, wrist, ankle, and elbow. MSP is complicated in nature and therefore in-depth exploration of causal relationships between MSP and risk factors is necessary so that appropriate healthcare programs can be initiated to prevent and treat MSP effectively.

Magnitude and Contributing Factors of Low Back Pain among Long Distance Truck Drivers at Modjo Dry Port, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is well known as the most common musculoskeletal disorder with the lifetime prevalence of eighty percent. Worldwide, 37% of low back pain was attributable to occupational risk factors. Truck driving is one among the jobs causing occupational LBP. Even though these drivers in Ethiopia run the high risk of occupational injuries and illnesses like drivers elsewhere, the evidence that shows the magnitude and factors that contribute to LBP is a significant shortcoming.

Objective

To assess the magnitude and contributing factors of low back pain among long-distance truck drivers at Modjo Dry Port, Ethiopia, 2018.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among systematically selected 422 long-distance truck drivers at Modjo Dry Port, Ethiopia, from February to March 2018. Data were collected through face-to-face individual interview using a structured questionnaire adapted from the standardized Nordic questionnaire for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms. The data were entered using EPI-DATA version 4.2.0.0 and cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical software for windows. Binary logistic regression was computed to determine the association using crude and adjusted odds ratios at 95% confidence intervals. Independent variables with a P value less than 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression model were considered as significant.

Results

Of 400 truck drivers interviewed, the prevalence of LBP was found to be 65%. The study also found smoking cigarette (AOR = 2.24, 95% CI (1.25–4.01), and P=0.007), physical inactivity (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI (1.28–3.51), and P=0.003), chronic diseases other than LBP (AOR = 2.18, 95% CI (1.32–3.61), and P=0.002), frequent lifting or carrying heavy objects (AOR = 3.02, 95% CI (1.75–5.22), and P ≤ 0.001), perceived improper sitting posture while driving (AOR = 2.20, 95% CI (1.35–3.60), and P=0.002), and perceived job stress (AOR = 2.07, 95% CI (1.20–3.57), and P=0.009) were contributing factors of low back pain.

Conclusion

This finding shows the public health importance of low back pain among long-distance truck drivers in Ethiopia. Individual factors largely accounted for the development of low back pain; hence, orientation on these modifiable risk factors and regular follow-up on safety procedures should be considered to mitigate the problem.

The association between musculoskeletal disorders and driver behaviors among professional drivers in China

The main objective of this study is to explore correlations between the severity of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and aberrant driving behaviors among professional taxi drivers. Questionnaires were administered to 162 taxi drivers in a Chinese city. Drivers with more severe MSDs reported more general and dangerous error behaviors and negative moods. Interestingly, MSDs affect drivers' error behaviors through negative moods. The study also examined the effects of age, driving experience, traffic accidents, mood states, safety awareness and driving skills on aberrant driving behaviors. The results showed that age and driving experience were significant predictors of aberrant driving behaviors. Anger was a significant predictor of aggressive violations and dangerous errors. Additionally, drivers who reported higher levels of safety awareness also reported fewer aggressive violations, and drivers with higher levels of driving skills reported fewer dangerous error behaviors.

Assessment of Postural Load during Melon Cultivation in Mediterranean Greenhouses

Health and safety at work directly influence the development of sustainable agriculture. In the agricultural sector, many farm workers suffer musculoskeletal disorders caused by forced posture. The objective of this research is to assess working postures during melon cultivation in Almería-type greenhouses. The Ovako Working Posture Assessment System (OWAS) has been used with pictures of the tasks. The variables studied by multiple correspondence analysis were as follows: Subtask, Posture code, Back, Arms, Legs, Load, Risk, and Risk combination. The OWAS analysis showed that 47.57% of the postures were assessed as risk category 2, 14.32% as risk category 3, 0.47% as risk category 4, and the rest as risk category 1. Corrective measures should be implemented immediately, as soon as possible, or in the near future, depending on the risks detected.

An update on the prevalence of low back pain in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analyses

BACKGROUND

Low back pain (LBP) remains a common health problem and one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions found among developed and developing nations. The following paper reports on an updated search of the current literature into the prevalence of LBP among African nations and highlights the specific challenges faced in retrieving epidemiological information in Africa.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of all accessible bibliographic databases was conducted. Population-based studies into the prevalence of LBP among children/adolescents and adults living in Africa were included. Methodological quality of included studies was appraised using an adapted tool. Meta-analyses, subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses and publication bias were also conducted.

RESULTS

Sixty-five studies were included in this review. The majority of the studies were conducted in Nigeria (n = 31;47%) and South Africa (n = 16;25%). Forty-three included studies (66.2%) were found to be of higher methodological quality. The pooled lifetime, annual and point prevalence of LBP in Africa was 47% (95% CI 37;58); 57% (95% CI 51;63) and 39% (95% CI 30;47), respectively.

CONCLUSION

This review found that the lifetime, annual and point prevalence of LBP among African nations was considerably higher than or comparable to global LBP prevalence estimates reported. Due to the poor methodological quality found among many of the included studies, the over-representation of affluent countries and the difficulty in sourcing and retrieving potential African studies, it is recommended that future African LBP researchers conduct methodologically robust studies and report their findings in accessible resources.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The original protocol of this systematic review was initially registered on PROSPERO with registration number CRD42014010417 on 09 July 2014.

The relationship between low back pain and professional driving in young military recruits

Background

Episodes of low back pain (LBP) are very common among workers. A number of occupational risk factors have been shown to increase the risk for LBP. One of these risk factors is exposure to whole body vibration, which is a known characteristic in driving professions. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of driving on LBP amongst young professional drivers.

Methods

This is an historical-prospective cohort study based on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) database of male soldiers drafted between the years 1997–2006. Subjects’ medical history with specific reference to LBP medical history, clinical and radiographic findings were taken as part of the recruitment process to the IDF. The study group included subjects (n = 80,599) from three occupational groups: administrative units (AU), car drivers (CD) and truck drivers (TD) that were followed for 3 years. The incidence and recrudescence rates of LBP were calculated based on standardized LBP severity tiers.

Results

The total incidence rate for LBP was 0.65%, 0.7% and 0.34% for AU, CD and TD respectively. In a comparison between subjects without a history of LBP (category 1) to subjects with a history of LBP without clinical findings (category 2) and subjects with a history of LBP with mild clinical / radiographic findings (category 3), the relative risk (RR) for severe LBP exacerbation was 1.4 (p < 0.001) and 3.8 (p < 0.01), respectively. The LBP exacerbation rates within different severity tiers yielded a similar trend amongst all profession groups.

Conclusions

This study included 80,000 soldiers who represent a population of driving and administrative occupations aged 18–21. The significant risk factors for developing LBP were a previous history of LBP and presence of LBP symptoms at the start of work. A correlation was identified between severity of LBP at the initial examination and further exacerbation of LBP in all examined occupations. Driving as a profession in our (young) age-group was not identified as a risk factor for LBP.

Comparative cross-sectional study for understanding the burden of low back pain among public bus transport drivers

BACKGROUND

Even though low back pain (LBP) is common, some occupations pose a higher risk. Identifying these occupations and specific factors will help to reduce the suffering and burden. This study aims to compare the prevalence of chronic LBP among bus drivers and to find its association with some occupational factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

It is a cross-sectional study to compare prevalence of LBP and factors associated with it, in two groups of drivers (n = 178) and nondrivers (n = 184).

RESULTS

The 10 years' percentage prevalence of LBP was found to be 70.8 and 51.6 among drivers and nondrivers respectively, whereas point prevalence in the same was 64.0 and 44.6. Drivers are at a higher risk for LBP with Odds ratio-2.270 (1.471-3.502). Risk factors such as prolonged sitting in one posture, night shifts, job dissatisfaction, tobacco use, and lack of exercise were significantly higher among drivers. Though the prevalence and intensity of LBP was higher among drivers, their number of leaves and hospital admitted days were less among drivers.

CONCLUSION

This is a potential group for intervention as prevalence of LBP, neck pain, and most of the suspected risk factors were higher among the drivers. Drivers got less recovery time and had higher sequelae.

Predictors of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Commercial Minibus Drivers in Accra Metropolis, Ghana

Background. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and predictors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among a sample of commercial minibus drivers in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana. Methods. The participating drivers (n=148) were recruited from various lorry terminals and assessed by using a semistructured questionnaire that included the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Results. Of the 148 drivers, 116 (78.4%) reported having WMSDs during the previous 12 months. The prevalence of the various WMSD domains was low back pain (58.8%), neck pain (25%), upper back pain (22.3%), shoulder pain (18.2%), knee pain (14.9%), ankle pain (9.5%), wrist pain (7.4%), elbow pain (4.7%), and hip/thigh pain (2.7%). Multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted for possible confounders showed that less physical activity (OR = 4.9; 95% CI = 1.5–16.5; P=0.010), driving more than 12 hours per day (OR = 2.9; 95% CI = 1.1–7.8; P=0.037), and driving at least 5 days per week (OR = 3.7; 95% CI = 1.4–9.4; P=0.007) were significantly associated with WMSDs among this cohort of drivers. Conclusion. These modifiable factors may be targets for preventive strategies to reduce the incidence of WMSDs among occupational minibus drivers in Ghana.