Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among occupational drivers in Mubi, Nigeria

Abstract

Background. Studies on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among drivers in northern Nigeria are modest. Objectives. This survey determined the prevalence of risk factors, onset of WMSDs and experience of ergonomic training, coping strategies and treatment options adopted by drivers. Methods. This cross-sectional survey utilized an adapted version of the standardized Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire for examining WMSDs among drivers. Descriptive and χ2 statistics were employed to summarize and analyze data, respectively; the significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results. The prevalence of WMSDs among the respondents was 21.2%. The annual prevalence of the various WMSD domains was lower back pain (34%), neck pain (18.9%), upper back pain (22.3%), shoulder pain (18.2%), knee pain (14.9%), ankle pain (17%), wrist pain (7.5%), elbow pain (7.5%) and hip/thigh pain (15.1%). χ2 analysis showed that age (p = 0.006), marital status (p = 0.027) and educational level (p = 0.018) were significantly associated with prevalence of WMSDs. The majority of the drivers (92.5%) had no ergonomic training while 77.4% did not seek treatment. Conclusions. Adequate sensitization on health-seeking behavior and coping strategies through seminars and workshops should be conducted to improve health-seeking behavior and coping strategies of occupational drivers.