Occupational lower back pain among bus conductors of Udupi district, Karnataka

Abstract

Although studies have reported lower back pain (LBP) in professional drivers, the conductors travelling in the same bus who share the same working environment are often neglected. Thus, the present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of LBP and the factors associated with it. The study included 237 bus conductors from government bus depots. The data regarding occupational, non-occupational and environmental factors were collected by interview technique using a structured questionnaire. Self-reported back pain in the last 12 months in or near the lumbosacral spine was considered a case of LBP. The study revealed that 27.4% had LBP. The multivariate analysis suggested that tobacco smoking, self-reported bad road conditions and lack of enough breaks during work were significant risk factors. Thus, to conclude, the conductors are at risk of LBP that can be attributed to occupational as well as non-occupational factors.

Keywords:

• lower back pain
• conductors
• vibration

Acknowledgements

The investigators would like to express their genuine and sincere gratitude to the Department of Public Health and Administration of Manipal University, Manipal, India. The support and help provided by supervisors and supporting staff of the bus depots are also acknowledged.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1 USD 135 = INR 10,000; USD 270 = INR 20,000 (as on 24.09.2020).