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.
Table of Contents
1. CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Preamble
1.2 Background to the study
1.3 Motivation for the study
1.4 Problem statement
1.5 Aim
1.6 Objectives
1.7 Rational for the study
1.8 Structure of the study
1.9 Summary
2. CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF LITERATURE LOW-BACK PAIN (LBP) AND TRUCK DRIVING
2.1 Introduction
2.2 The back
2.2.1 The causes of back pain
2.2.2 Prevalence of lower-back pain in truck drivers
2.3 Risk factors and truck driving
2.3.1 Material manual handling (heavy physical work)
2.3.2 Whole-body vibration
2.3.3 Static work posture
2.3.4 Anthropometry
2.3.5 Smoking
2.4 Summary
3. CHAPTER 3: MATERIALS AND METHODS
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Research design and methodology
3.3 The study environment
3.4 The study design
3.5 The sample
3.6 The research method
3.6.1 The questionnaire
3.6.2 Structure of the questionnaire
3.6.3 Pre-testing of the questionnaire
3.6.4 Questionnaire administration
3.6. 5 Computerization and coding of the data
3.7 Data analysis
3.7.1 Descriptive statistics
3.7.2 Inferential statistics
3.8 Bias and confounding factors
3.9 Validity and reliability
3.9.1 Validity
3.9.2 Reliability
3.10 Ethics
3.11 Summary
4. CHAPTER 4: RESULTS
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Demographic characteristics
4.2.1 Age characteristics
4.3 Questionnaire items
4.3.1 Point prevalence of low-back pain
4.3.2 Comparison between hospitalization and prevalence of low-back pain
4.3.3 Low- back pain severity
4.4 Correlational analysis
4.4.1 Smoking
4.4.2 Static work posture
4.4.3 Total years of driving and low-back pain
4.5 Summary
5. CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSIONS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Response rate
5.3 Demographics
5.4 Point prevalence of low-back pain
5.5 Severity of low-back pain
5.6 Correlational analysis
5.6.1 Smoking
5.6.2 Static work posture
5.6.3 Total years of driving and low-back pain
5.6.4 Age
5.7 Limitations of the study
5.8 Recommendations
5.9 Areas for future research
5.10 Conclusions
5.11 Summary
Research Goals and Core Themes
This research aims to determine the prevalence of work-related low-back pain (LBP) among a specific cohort of truck drivers in the South African petrochemical industry. By identifying the association between LBP and risk factors such as demographics, manual material handling, static posture, and whole-body vibration, the study seeks to inform better health service organization and preventative strategies for this high-risk occupational group.
- Prevalence and severity of low-back pain in truck drivers.
- Impact of occupational factors like prolonged sitting and static posture.
- Relationship between lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking) and back health.
- Assessment of ergonomic and physical risk factors in the petrochemical sector.
- Evaluation of socioeconomic implications and the need for standardized safety protocols.
Excerpt from the Book
2.3.3 Static work posture
Static work postures include isometric positions where very little movement occurs along with cramped or inactive postures that cause static loading on the muscles. For this study, static work will also include prolonged standing or sitting and sedentary work (Bernard, 1997). For this study, the exposure will be defined subjectively and/or in combination with other work-related factors.
Petrochemical truck drivers sit for extended periods as part of their daily job. The drivers will be sedentary for up to 2.5 to 3 hours a day, whilst driving to their destinations to deliver their loads. Most of these drivers transport fuel from Durban to Johannesburg. A fair number of drivers also transport fuel “cross border” into neighbouring countries in Southern Africa, where being in a sedentary position could rise to 4 - 5 hours. When drivers wait for their loads at the refineries they also have to sit for a prolonged period. If the drivers do not sit and wait in their trucks with the capability to move as the queue moves, then they will lose their place in the queue. This is the standard loading procedure at the refineries which requires drivers to sit in their truck cabs for up to 4 hours at a time.
Therefore, driving a petrochemical truck, which entails prolonged sitting, will suggest an increased risk of LBP. Petrochemical truck drivers also frequently change their posture, whilst driving. The drivers will also often stand up from their seats for various reasons; especially, when loading products at the refineries. In this study, it is hypothesized that static work posture will be significantly associated with LBP amongst petrochemical truck drivers.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION: Outlines the research purpose regarding musculoskeletal disorders in truck drivers and provides the background for why identifying risk factors is critical for occupational health.
CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF LITERATURE LOW-BACK PAIN (LBP) AND TRUCK DRIVING: Explores the physiological aspects of the human back, international prevalence studies, and specific biomechanical risk factors associated with commercial truck driving.
CHAPTER 3: MATERIALS AND METHODS: Describes the descriptive, cross-sectional design and the use of the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire to collect quantitative data from a sample of 450 drivers.
CHAPTER 4: RESULTS: Presents the statistical data, revealing a high prevalence of LBP and identifying significant associations between back pain severity and factors like smoking and driving duration.
CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSIONS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Evaluates the findings, discusses the occupational risks in the South African context, and recommends the implementation of formal back management programs.
Keywords
Low-back pain, LBP, Occupational health, Truck drivers, Petrochemical industry, Risk factors, Whole-body vibration, Static work posture, Manual material handling, Ergonomics, Prevalence, Smoking, South Africa, Musculoskeletal disorders, Occupational hygiene.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on assessing the prevalence of occupational low-back pain among truck drivers operating in the South African petrochemical industry.
What are the central themes discussed in this study?
The study centers on biomechanical risks, the effects of prolonged sedentary work, the influence of lifestyle factors like smoking, and the overall impact of truck driving on spinal health.
What is the core research question?
The research asks whether specific demographic, biomechanical, and occupational risk factors are significantly associated with the incidence and severity of low-back pain in a cohort of petrochemical truck drivers.
What scientific methodology was utilized?
The study utilized a descriptive, cross-sectional quantitative design, employing the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) and SPSS statistical analysis.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The body of the work covers the theoretical framework of spinal health, a detailed review of literature on truck driving, the materials and methods used for data collection, and a thorough analysis of findings through descriptive and inferential statistics.
What are the key terms that define this research?
Key terms include Low-back pain (LBP), occupational risk factors, whole-body vibration (WBV), truck driving, and ergonomics.
Why are smoking and static postures highlighted as significant findings?
The study found a statistically significant association between these variables and LBP severity, suggesting that even if smoking is prohibited during active driving, the habits associated with a driver's lifestyle and long hours in the seat contribute to their overall health risks.
How does this study contribute to the petrochemical sector?
It provides empirical evidence that helps categorize truck driving as an "at-risk" occupation in South Africa, which can prompt the industry to implement dedicated back management programs and improve safety policies.
Did the study confirm the initial hypotheses regarding risk factors?
Not entirely; while the study confirmed the impact of static posture and smoking on LBP, it found no expected association between heavy physical work or whole-body vibration and LBP in this specific cohort.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Shaun Ramroop (Autor:in), 2011, Occupational related low back pain in truck drivers, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1225451
