Psychosocial Factors in the Development of Low Back Pain Among Professional Drivers

Abstract

Background and purpose: Professional drivers as a group are exposed to high risk of developing low back pain due to ergonomic factors and work conditions. The purpose of the study was to examine to what extent the low back pain occurs among Slovene professional drivers as a result of the development of various psychosocial factors. Methodology: The study involved 275 respondents (professional bus drivers, car/van drivers, international truck/ lorry drivers, and ambulance car drivers). Hypotheses were tested using multivariate statistical method (regression analysis) and analysis of variance. Data were collected by structured questionnaire comprised of three parts: socio-demographic data, basic psychosocial factors causing low back pain, and incidence, duration and severity of low back pain as a result of psychosocial risk factors, was implemented. Results:The results of quantitative survey suggest that low back pain is mostly caused by lifting and carrying heavy loads, inadequate working conditions, poor physical fitness, regular nights out, shift work, and stress. Only the impact of gender on low back pain distress among professional drivers was confirmed, predominantly among bus drivers and lorry drivers on international routes. Low back pain occurrence was less common, albeit not statistically significant, among professional drivers of vans and passenger cars. Conclusion: Our study suggests that psychosocial factors are also important cause for the development of low back pain among professional drivers and can limit the quality of their social and professional lives.

Ergonomic Risk Factors for Low Back Pain among Three‐Wheel Drivers in Ethiopia: A Community‐Based Cross‐Sectional Study

“…Occupational health has been a major cause of worry in the driving profession particularly among three-wheel drivers [6,7]. Bajaj is among one of the most important modes of within-city transport system, relatively inexpensive, easily accessible, and an emerging job opportunity in most parts of developing countries [8] (Figure 1).…”

Psychosocial Risk Factors Among Slovene Professional Drivers

“…Due to exposure to magnetic fields train engine drivers are group of professional drivers with excess risk of cancer incidence, particularly brain tumors and leukemia (Bilban, 2016). Authors also found exposure association with leukemia and Hodkin's disease (Kresal et al, 2017).…”

“…Professional drivers are also exposed to high blood pressure and cardio vascular system diseases due to insufficient blood supply to the lower part of the body caused by prolonged sitting. In addition, professional drivers are often exposed to the locomotor system diseases, for instance the lower spine, as well as to psychological problems (Louit-Martinod et al, 2016; Kresal et al, 2017). Despite the fact that train engine driver is a profession that is seemingly comparable to similar professions in the transport sector, it is associated with specific risks that have a significant impact on their physical and physical health.…”

Condiciones laborales, salud y calidad de vida en conductores

“…Kresal et al refieren que el dolor lumbar en conductores profesionales, es causado principalmente por levantar y transportar cargas pesadas, condiciones de trabajo inadecuadas, mala condición física, salidas nocturnas regulares, trabajo por turnos y estrés 27 .…”

“…Diversos artículos, señalan que una de las grandes afecciones relacionadas con el tipo de trabajo en este caso, son las enfermedades musculo-esqueléticas, especialmente el dolor lumbar asociado a una mala postura durante la extensa jornada 24,25,26 . La presencia de este tipo de patologías perjudica la labor del trabajador y a la vez se traduce en dificultades personales, ausentismo laboral, sentimientos de angustia y disminución notoria de la funcionalidad 27,28 . De igual manera, destacan las problemáticas de salud mental, las cuales han aumentado en los últimos años, y estarían asociadas al alto grado de presión, al acelerado ritmo de trabajo, la fatiga, el cansancio, estrés, malas remuneraciones, extensas jornadas laborales.…”