Work Related Musculoskeletal Discomfort among Iranian Heavy Truck Drivers

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are the common health problems among individuals in different occupations. Heavy truck drivers are exposed to various psychological, psychosocial and physiological factors such as Whole Body Vibration (WBV), awkward positioning, bad eating habits and etc. which some of them cause the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort in different body regions. In Iran, the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort among the heavy truck drivers is a mutual concern. Thus, investigation related to association of different factors with prevalence of musculoskeletal discomforts is necessary. Cross sectional study method is applied in order to assess association of factors with the occurrence of musculoskeletal discomforts. 384 Iranian heavy truck drivers are interviewed by an updated Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Furthermore, hypothesis testing is used to assess the associations of different factors and musculoskeletal discomfort reported by participants. Logistic regression method is used to investigate the different correlations among questions of the survey and different body sections that Interviewees experience trouble as well. Moreover, Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) technique is applied for various positions of drivers whom used in order to fulfill different job tasks. Results demonstrate that 57% of the drivers are suffering from discomfort in their lower back region. Additionally, neck, left shoulder, right shoulder, knees and upper back, are among the high prevalence region that musculoskeletal discomfort has been reported. Hours of exposure to vibration were associated with discomfort of neck (p- value=0.00) and shoulders area (p-value=0.00); though, such a relation was not found for the discomfort of lower back (p-value=0.30). In addition 24 mathematical equations have been illustrated with significant predictors‟ questions and their correlations with the prevalence musculoskeletal discomfort of different body regions of truck drivers. REBA method improved three different positions of the truck drivers; however, seating position behind the steering wheel is remains at high risk position category (REBA score=10). Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders, WRMSD, REBA, Logistic regression, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire