Prevalence and Risk Factors of Low Back Pain among Auto-Rickshaw Drivers in Urban Kolkata, India

Abstract

Article InfoAuto rickshaw drivers are prone to Low Back Pain (LBP) due to occupational exposure. But LBP among auto-rickshaw drivers have hardly been studied. The drivers work long durations in strenuous postures and seat themselves often with onetwo passengers in front. The present study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of LBP in auto-rickshaw drivers of Kolkata.500 auto-rickshaw drivers were randomly surveyed in auto-stands of various parts of Kolkata. A Nordic Pain questionnaire was used to determine prevalence, the 101 Numerical Pain Rating Scale measured current pain intensity and the Oswestry Disability Index evaluated disability due to LBP. Risk factors included age, height, BMI, socio-demographic and occupational details, shoulder to handle distance, knee to break distance, pain intensity, vibration and posture during driving. The Ovako Working postural Analysis System (OWAS) was used to analyze the posture during driving and a Vibrometer was used to analyze the vibration. Logistic regression analysis was performed to ascertain the association of risk factors with LBP. A Pearson"s chi square test was performed to determine the association between two categorical variables. The 12 months prevalence of LBP was 79.8% and 7 days point prevalence was 36%. Forward bent and twisted sitting posture (OWAS action level 2) was significantly associated with LBP.