Risk factors and epidemiology of lower back pain among Bajaj drivers in Gondar City, northwestern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for lower back pain (LBP) among Bajaj drivers in Gondar City, northwestern Ethiopia. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Gondar City. The collected data were entered into Epi Info version 7.2 and analyzed with SPSS version 20. The adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with p < 0.05 at the 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported and variables were considered to be significant risk factors. Results. The prevalence of LBP among Bajaj drivers was 49.2% (44.5–54.7%). Driver’s age above 30 years (AOR 2.14, 95% CI [1.14, 4.01]), chewing chat (AOR 2.70, 95% CI [1.14, 6.21]), previous history of lower back trauma (AOR 1.68, 95% CI [1.29, 2.92]), no comfort in the seat (AOR 1.31, 95% CI [1.16, 4.60]), twisted sitting posture (AOR 1.39, 95% CI [1.03, 5.79]) and driving experience (AOR 1.52, 95% CI [1.08, 2.30]) were all significantly associated. Conclusion. Nearly half of the study participants had LBP, which was relatively common in the study area. According to the findings, the authors recommend that Bajaj drivers should have comfortable seats, maintain neutral sitting postures and take precautions while driving when they have a previous history of lower back trauma.