Low back pain and some correlates among taxi drivers in Khartoum State, Sudan: a cross-sectional study

One of the most common causes of disability and inability to work is low back pain (LBP). Owing to a number of physical and occupational factors, taxi drivers are particularly susceptible to low back pain or discomfort. There is a lack of knowledge on the problems of the LBP among taxi drivers in Sudan. The aim of this work was to study the frequency of LBP among taxi drivers in Khartoum State and to determine the risk factors associated with this problem.

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 242 taxi drivers in Khartoum State via a pretested and validated questionnaire. The data were analyzed via SPSS Version 24, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with LBP.

The prevalence of LBP among the studied drivers was 62.8%. The use of lumbar support, taking breaks while driving and job satisfaction were significantly linked to a lower occurrence of LBP. On the other hand, driving hours ≥ 8 h, job-related stress and having other jobs requiring prolonged sitting were significantly associated with LBP.

A high prevalence of LBP among the studied taxi drivers was reported. Modification of ergonomic and occupational risk factors among taxi drivers is recommended.