Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain and Health seeking Behaviour among Occupational Drivers in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is work-related and common among occupational drivers (ODs). Data on MSP among occupational drivers in Nigeria are few. This study therefore aimed at determining the 12-month prevalence, body distribution of MSP, influence of socio-demographics on the prevalence of MSP and illness perceptions and health seeking behaviour among ODs in Ibadan, Nigeria. The cross-sectional descriptive survey involved 159 ODs from four selected public transport terminals in Ibadan. Data on MSP experience, perception and health seeking behaviour was collected through interview using the structured and Standardized Nordic questionnaires for analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms and health seeking behaviour. Data was analyzed using Mann Whitney U and Chi square tests. Majority of ODs (89.3%) reported experience of MSP in the prior 12 months and low back was the most commonly reported pain site. The ODs who reported MSP had significantly more years of experience than those who reported no MSP. Duration of driving per week and distances covered per journey had no significant influence on reported experience of MSP. Most of the drivers used self prescribed drug, herbal preparation and hot fermentation and massage in that order to alleviate their musculoskeletal pain. Our findings suggest that MSP is highly prevalent among ODs in Ibadan and the most common MSP site is low back. The ODs engaged in self prescribed drugs and alternative medicine in alleviating their pain. Health education programmes may help reduce MSP prevalence among the occupational drivers in Ibadan.

Keywords: Musculoskeletal pain, occupational drivers, prevalence, pain perception, health seeking behaviour