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. 2025 Jun 9;17(6):e85655.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.85655. eCollection 2025 Jun.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Risk Factors Among Professional Drivers in Chromepet, Chengalpattu District: A Cross-Sectional Study

Gokul Gopakumar  1 , Aljin V  1 , Hariharan Surathkumaar  1 , Ramkumar T  1 , Subhashini Viswanath  2 , Jeffrey Joseph  3
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Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Risk Factors Among Professional Drivers in Chromepet, Chengalpattu District: A Cross-Sectional Study

Gokul Gopakumar et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background Professional drivers frequently suffer from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to prolonged sitting, poor posture, repetitive movements, and exposure to whole-body vibrations. These factors contribute to pain and discomfort, commonly affecting the shoulders, limbs, back, and neck. Professional drivers are particularly vulnerable because of extended driving hours, exposure to vibration, and awkward postures. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence and patterns of musculoskeletal morbidity among professional drivers and to identify the factors influencing its occurrence. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 264 professional drivers in the Chromepet area. Participants were recruited through travel agencies, and data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire that included sociodemographic details, personal habits, work characteristics, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to assess pain distribution. Descriptive data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages, and logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with MSDs. Results The study population consisted of 249 (94.32%) males and 15 (5.68%) females. Chronic pain was most commonly reported in the upper back (213; 80.7%), lower back (210; 79.5%), shoulders (208; 78.8%), and neck (203; 76.9%). Prolonged daily shift hours significantly increased the risk of musculoskeletal pain, with those working 12-16 hours having the highest odds for neck pain (OR = 11.73, p = 0.006), upper back pain (OR = 23.93, p = 0.001), and lower back pain (OR = 8.53, p = 0.010). Longer job duration was also associated with increased risk of upper and lower back pain. Conclusion The prevalence of MSDs among professional drivers in Chromepet is high, particularly in the back and shoulder regions. Longer job duration and extended working hours significantly increase the risk of developing MSDs. These findings highlight the need for targeted ergonomic interventions and health promotion strategies to reduce the burden of MSDs among professional drivers.

Keywords: chronic pain; human factors and ergonomics; increased work load; musculoskeletal abnormality; professional drivers.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital issued approval 002/SBMCH/IHEC/2023/2100. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

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