Musculoskeletal symptoms prevalence and associated risk factors among occupational bus drivers in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal symptoms are one of the most significant occupational health problems worldwide. Different professional groups have the chance to develop musculoskeletal symptoms in different areas of the body. Most of the literature suggest that the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among occupational bus drivers are high in the area of neck, back, shoulders and knees due to the factors of prolonged sitting, awkward posture, vibration and anthropometric mismatch. However there is no published research about occupational bus drivers from the perspective of ergonomics in Bangladesh. So, this study will reflect the current status of occupational bus drivers in Bangladesh. Objectives: The purpose of the study is to investigate the musculoskeletal symptoms prevalence and its associated risk factors among occupational bus drivers in Bangladesh. Method: A cross-sectional study among occupational bus drivers in Dhaka city was carried out to accomplish the objectives of the study by using two questionnaires. First, the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to find out the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms. Second, the Whole Body Vibration: Periodic Health Surveillance Questionnaire, for physical risk factors identification. The investigator selected Convenience Sampling Procedure for attaining the sample group. 105 occupational bus drivers were adopted from Savar and Gabtoli area, who already had spent at least 1 complete year in the driving profession in their current job. Result: Out of the 105 occupational bus drivers, this study found neck, knees, shoulders and lower back musculoskeletal problem to be very prevalent (>45.0% to <62.0%) both in the past 12 months and the previous 7 days. A large majority of participants (73.3%) faced difficulties doing their normal activities in the previous 12 months. The investigator identified as major physical risk factors are the number of years the participants had been driving, the number of hours they drives everyday, the condition of the road, the driving posture, vehicle jerk and jolt, vibration, awkward posture and the amount of mechanical work they had to do. But this study established only age, regular exercise and type of ground surface of road have the significant association with musculoskeletal symptoms. Conclusion: High prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, overall 85.7% was recognized among occupational bus drivers. This should be further investigated in prospective studies.