Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Some Related Risk Factors among City Bus Drivers: A Cross-Sectional Study...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Ergonomics
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• City bus drivers face a high risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs).
• This population remains understudied regarding WRMSDs.
• The study investigates WRMSDs and associated risk factors in city bus drivers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of WRMSDs among city bus drivers.
• To identify key factors contributing to WRMSDs in this occupational group.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 383 city bus drivers selected via simple random sampling.
• Data collection through interviews using a self-designed questionnaire and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire.
• Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariate logistic regression using Stata 17.

Main Results:

• Over half of the drivers (52.74%) reported WRMSDs, with lower back discomfort being most common (40.99%).
• Univariate analysis linked WRMSDs to prolonged driving duration, long daily distances, higher waist-hip ratio, and specific workstation factors (seat adjustability, comfort, contour) and route congestion.
• Multivariate analysis identified daily driving distance (≥150 km), uncomfortable seating, and lack of seat body contour as significant independent predictors of WRMSDs.

Conclusions:

• Daily driving distance, seat discomfort, and inadequate seat contour are significant independent risk factors for WRMSDs in city bus drivers.
• Recommendations include retrofitting buses with ergonomic seats and reducing average daily driving distances.