Self-Reported Work-Related Musculoskeletal Problems and Associated Risk Factors Among Three-Wheel Car Drivers in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Community-Based Study

Abstract

Background

Globally, the demand for mobility is increasing. Three-wheel cars are one of the best options for meeting this demand and creating new job opportunities in most developing countries, including Ethiopia. Drivers are highly susceptible to developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Even though several studies on other groups of drivers have been conducted, little is done in Ethiopia among three-wheel car drivers.

Objective

This study investigated the prevalence of MSDs and identified their associated risk factors among three-wheel car drivers in Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional research was conducted among drivers of three-wheel cars from August 05 to October 07, 2022. A stratified sampling followed by a simple random sampling technique was used to select 422 respondents. Structured and pretested questionnaires adapted from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire were used to collect the data. Epi-data version 4.2.0.0 and SPSS version 20 were used to enter and analyze the collected data, respectively.

Results

In the previous 12 months, 62.45% of three-wheel car drivers had musculoskeletal disorders in any body region (95% CI: 58.36, 66.14). The back pain was the most frequently reported site of pain in this study. This study showed that the habit of doing physical exercise, work experience, site of service, taking rest breaks while driving, and having comfortable sitting posture was risk factor for musculoskeletal pain.

Conclusion

In this study, the overall 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal problems among three-wheel car drivers was high. Periodic health checkups for drivers, lifestyle changes, delivering training, and creating awareness are important to address this high-burden occupation-related problem.

Keywords:

• musculoskeletal disorder
• driver
• three-wheel
• risk factor
• Ethiopia

Abbreviations

AOR, Adjusted Odd Ratio; BMI, Body Mass Index; CI, Confidence Interval; LBP, Lower Back Pain; MSDs, Musculoskeletal disorders; VIF, Variance Inflation Factor.

Data Sharing Statement

All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this article. The data that support the findings of this study are also available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate

Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethical Review Committee of the College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University. Those three-wheel car drivers who were selected to participate were informed about the purpose of the study, the importance of their participation, and their ability to withdraw at any time. Written informed consent was obtained before data collection. The ethical approval number of the study was HSC/R/C/Ser/No/357/14. This study complies with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Acknowledgment

The researchers wish to personally convey their appreciation to the three-wheel car drivers, the three-wheel car drivers union, and the management and workers of Debre Markos town road and transport office in Ethiopia for their information and support during the research study. We also sincerely wish to acknowledge Debre Markos University for the support and study leave granted to us in the course of this study.

Disclosure

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.