This study aimed to determine the prevalence of occupational-related LBP in a defined cohort of truck drivers and to ascertain if certain risk factors i.e. demographic factors of truck drivers, manual material handling (heavy physical work), static work posture, and perceived levels of whole-body vibration are associated with truck driving and LBP.
The study design chosen was descriptive, cross-sectional, and quantitative. For the study, the widely established “Standardized Nordic Questionnaire” (SNQ) was used to collect data. A total of 450 drivers participated in the study by completing the questionnaire.
Occupational driving has often been associated with a high prevalence of low-back pain. Truck drivers in the petrochemical industry in South Africa are vulnerable to work-related low back pain because of the very nature of their job, and this vulnerability has to date not been quantified. The individual and job factors that contribute to causing this pain are diverse and might include prolonged sitting, exposure to whole-body vibration, heavy physical work, smoking, and other psychosocial factors.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Motivation
- Aim
- Methods
- Results
- Conclusion
- Acknowledgements
- Definitions
- Keywords
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research report investigates the prevalence of occupational-related low back pain (LBP) in truck drivers employed in the petrochemical industry in South Africa. The study aims to determine the prevalence of LBP in this specific cohort and to identify potential risk factors associated with this condition. The report utilizes a descriptive, cross-sectional, and quantitative study design, employing the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire to gather data from a sample of 450 truck drivers.
- Prevalence of occupational-related LBP in truck drivers
- Risk factors associated with LBP in truck drivers
- Impact of demographic factors on LBP
- Role of physical work demands and ergonomic factors in LBP
- Significance of whole-body vibration exposure
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Abstract: Provides a concise overview of the research study, including its motivation, aim, methods, results, and conclusion.
- Motivation: Explains the rationale for studying occupational-related LBP in truck drivers, highlighting the vulnerability of this workforce and the lack of quantifiable data on the prevalence of LBP in this industry.
- Aim: Clearly states the objectives of the study, outlining the determination of LBP prevalence and the identification of associated risk factors, specifically focusing on demographic characteristics, manual material handling, static work posture, and perceived levels of whole-body vibration.
- Methods: Describes the study design, data collection procedures, and the use of the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) for data acquisition. It also mentions the analysis methods employed, including descriptive and inferential statistics.
- Results: Presents the findings of the study, including the prevalence of LBP in the sampled truck drivers and the significant associations found between LBP and smoking, static work posture, and total years of driving. It also discusses the unexpected lack of association between LBP and whole-body vibration, biomass index, and heavy physical work.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key focus areas of this research report include occupational-related low back pain, risk factors, truck drivers, petrochemical industry, prevalence, demographic factors, manual material handling, static work posture, whole-body vibration, and ergonomic considerations.
- Quote paper
- Shaun Ramroop (Author), 2011, Occupational related low back pain in truck drivers, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1225451
