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

Abstract

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.

Work-related and ergonomic risk factors associated with low back pain among bus drivers

“…This finding is higher than what was reported in many studies in Africa, for example, Akinpelu et al [14] in Nigeria reported a prevalence of 64.8% whereas Abledu et al [15] in Ghana reported a figure of 58.8%. Our figure is also higher than what was reported in Asia, for example, Tamrin et al [16] reported a prevalence of 60.4% in Malaysia, whereas Jadhav [17] in India reported 67.4% prevalence of LBP among public bus drivers. Even on comparison with many studies in developed countries [4,18] , our figure was relatively higher.…”

“…The current study findings showed insignificant association between work satisfaction and LBP. The literatures showed inconsistent results regarding this association as some were in accordance with our finding [15,17] whereas other studies were in contrary to ours [10,24] .…”

“…Regarding the association between tobacco smoking and LBP, the finding of this study suggested no association. Many studies reported similar findings of no association between smoking and LBP [9,15,17,28] whereas one study by Miyamoto et al [29] in Japan suggested smoking habit as a risk factor for LBP. BMI was not associated with the prevalence of LBP in the present study.…”

Association Between Absenteeism and Low Back Pain in an Automobile Factory

“…Meanwhile, 13% of the participants reported a maximum of 6 days of LBP-related absenteeism in the second half of the year, 2% of the workers reported 7-14 days, 3% reported 15-30 days, and 2% reported more than 31 days of absenteeism [18]. As LBP is more prevalent in some occupations, identifying these occupations can help to minimize the occurrence and the outcomes of LBP [19]. In a study conducted on Greek shipyard workers, LBP-related absenteeism was reported in relation to the factors such as age, height, BMI, and smoking.…”

A Cross Sectional Study to Assess Musculoskeletal Disorders among Bangladeshi Cycle Rickshaw Pullers and its Association with Ergonomics and Work-related Factors

“…In a study conducted among taxi drivers in Nigeria, more than half ( 67%) of drivers reported discomfort in the neck, about 18% & 20% reported symptoms in right & left wrist joints respectively [11]. Jadhava et al found that lower back pain & neck pain as the most prevalent musculoskeletal impairments among bus drivers [12]. The study revealed that in between age range 18 to 35 years, most of age group was more than 32 years & considering the educational level more than half reported illiterate.…”