Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) among bus drivers at the central bus stand Colombo, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Objectives: WMSDs are common among Bus Drivers since bus driving requires repetitive movements of the limbs/ head and long-term sitting in the same posture. Objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of WMSDs among bus-drivers at the Central Bus Stand in Colombo and identify associated risk factors. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using interviewer-administered pre-tested questionnaire among bus drivers at the Central Bus Stand. Results: 119 Government and 131 Private Sector drivers were questioned. Most of the participants (78.4%) suffered from different kinds of musculoskeletal pains. Of these 49.6% of the participants suffered lower back pain, 38.1% from knee pain, 35.2% from shoulder pain, 29.2% upper back pain, 25.2% neck pain, 25.2% ankle pain, 12.8% wrist pain, and 8% from elbow pain. Only 22.8% of bus-drivers have sought medical help. 20% were visiting Western medicine doctors and 7.2% were taking Ayurveda treatment. 16.4% of bus drivers took over the counter medicines without doctor’s prescription and 12.8% were taking alcohol for pain relief. The presence of pain was significantly related to driving in traffic (p=0.008) , type of seat (p= 0.009) and bus company (Govt /Pvt) (p=0.011) There was no correlation between occurrence of pain and BMI of bus-drivers(p= 0.87) ,total distance travelled per month(p=0.64),size of the bus (p=0.25), age(p=0.325). 25.6% of drivers were not satisfied with the driving-seat, 16 % with the clutch, 4.8 % with gears, 4.4% with steering wheel. There is no access to medical care at the Bus Stand. Conclusions: Majority (78.4%) complained of pain affecting one or more areas. The most prevalent areas were lower back, knee, shoulder, upper back, ankle and neck. Majority do not take treatment. The only correlations with pain were travelling in traffic, type of the seat and bus company. Government policies to improve work conditions to reduce WMSDs need to be in place as well as making available medical help onsite to bus drivers.