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Low back trouble among urban bus drivers in Denmark
1Danish Institute for Clinical Epidemiology, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Scandinavian Journal of Social Medicine
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Urban bus drivers experience high rates of low back pain (LBP). Psychosocial factors like feeling mentally unbalanced were linked to LBP, suggesting work environment causes.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Low back pain (LBP) is a significant health issue.
- The occupational risks for LBP among urban bus drivers are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of LBP among Danish urban bus drivers.
- To explore potential links between psychosocial factors and LBP in this occupational group.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey of 2,045 male bus drivers in Denmark regarding psychosocial factors and health.
- Analysis of hospital discharge data for lumbar disc herniation diagnoses between 1978-1984.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of frequent LBP was 57% in bus drivers vs. 40% in motormen.
- Bus drivers had a significantly higher risk (Standardized Morbidity Ratio 137) of hospital discharge for lumbar disc herniation.
- Feeling mentally unbalanced was the only psychosocial factor significantly associated with LBP diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Long-term bus driving suggests work environment factors contribute to LBP.
- Sedentary work and whole-body vibrations are potential etiologic factors for LBP in bus drivers.