Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pains among Three Wheel Drivers in Galle Municipality area of Galle District in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The number of three wheelers on the roads in every part of the country has increased during past two decades in Sri Lanka. Three wheel driving is one of the common options for thousands of youth who dropped out from schools. Three wheel drivers are exposed to several risk factors that make them vulnerable for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Especially long static sitting postures throughout the day, frequent body vibration; lifting heavy goods of the passengers and psychosocial stresses are some of them. There is no reported evidence that estimated the prevalence of MSDs in this population. Aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of musculoskeletal pains and associated factors among three wheeler drivers. The study was performed on a 250 three wheeler drivers selected from 30 clusters in Galle Municipality area. A pretested questionnaire was administered in a personal interview during the working hours to ascertain personal and work related characteristics. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and chi-square test using SPSS statistical software (version-16). Only 201(80.4%) drivers participated for the interview. Most commonly reported MSD symptom was back pain 30.3% followed by 17.4% shoulder pain, 11.4% Neck Pain, 10% Knee joint pain, 9%, Wrist joint pain and 5% Elbow joint pain respectively. Having a history of accidents significantly associated with low back pain (OR=2.13, 95% CI=1.13-3.99), shoulder pain (OR=2.32, 95% CI=1.10-4.88), neck pain (OR=3.150, 95% CI=1.29-7.63), and wrist pain (OR=4.90, 95% CI=1.75-13.75). Lifting heavy goods of passengers has significantly associated with wrist pain (OR=4.18, 95% CI=1.53-11.38). Back pain was the most common MSD symptom among three wheeler drivers. Previous accidents have great impact on musculoskeletal health of the study population. Measures need to be taken to prevent accidents and promote occupational health of this population. Health problems of this population should be further investigated.