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.
