The Prevalence of Low Back Pain in Commercial Motor Drivers and Private Automobile Drivers

Abstract

Background: The low back is susceptible to injury (pain) because it supports most of the body weight. Prolonged sitting and being sedentary are some of the risk factors to developing low back pain (LBP). This study was designed to determine and compare the prevalence of LBP in Commercial Motor Drivers (CMD) and Private Automobile Drivers (PAD).

Materials and Method: Five hundred males (250-CMD and 250-PAD) participated in the survey. The participants were made to complete a 33-item closed ended questionnaire. The questionnaire collected information on the respondents' biodata, driving, back pain and the effects of driving on the low back (LB). The questionnaire was selfadministered.

Results: The results showed that LBP was a major problem among these groups ofdrivers. The 12-month prevalences of LBP among the CMD and PAD were 96% and 88% respectively. Twelve-month prevalence of LBP was significantly (p< 0.05) higher in the CMD. Sixty four percent and 42% of the CMD and PAD attributed the cause of their back pain to the length of time spent sitting when driving.

Conclusion: Low back pain was a major problem among the respondents; but was experienced more among CMD. The higher prevalence of LBP in CMD was attributed to the length of time spent sitting when driving.

KEY WORDS: Prevalence, low back pain, Commercial Motor Drivers, Private Automobile Drivers.