Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among bus drivers in a first-tier city and associated influencing factors
- VernacularTitle:某一线城市公交车驾驶员肌肉骨骼疾患的流行现状及其影响因素
- Author:
Linfeng LUO
1
;
Huining WANG
2
;
Huijie ZHANG
2
;
Baolong LIU
2
;
Tenglong YAN
2
;
Jue LI
3
Author Information
- Publication Type:Investigation
- Keywords: bus driver; musculoskeletal disorders; urbanization; occupational characteristic; health status; physical exercise
- From: Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(11):1350-1357
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Background During urbanization, the passenger load on urban public transport systems continues to increase, exposing bus drivers to a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This occupational health issue may also potentially compromise public transport safety. Objective To investigate the prevalence of MSDs among bus drivers in a first-tier city and to explore associated influencing factors. Methods A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted from December 2024 to March 2025 among
1300 bus drivers in a bus company. Data were collected on general demographic information, occupational activities, and MSDs indicators. A total of1268 valid questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of 97.5%. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the distribution characteristics of MSDs. Pearson χ2 tests were employed to examine the association between MSDs prevalence and individual/occupational characteristics. Logistic regression was performed to identify the influencing factors of MSDs. Results The survey revealed that the prevalence of MSDs among the bus drivers was 28.5%, with the highest prevalence in the 41–50 years age group (30.5%). The conditions primarily affected the cervical spine (60.5%) and lumbar spine (61.9%), with some cases involving multiple sites. The logistic regression model indicated that the following factors were associated with a higher risk of MSDs: frequent smoking (OR=1.477), poor or moderate self-reported health status (OR=4.422), 11–20 years of service (OR=1.749), daily cumulative driving time ≥361 min (OR=1.616), frequent whole-body fatigue during driving (OR=2.077), occasional whole-body fatigue during driving (OR=1.873), feeling tense during driving (OR=1.518), fatigue after work (OR=2.485), work-related stress (OR=1.882), and prolonged smartphone use with head-down posture (OR=1.671). Conversely, occasional exercise (OR=0.713)/frequent exercise (OR=0.569), driving intervals ≥21 min per round (OR=0.645), and perceiving the driving seat comfortable (OR=0.429) were associated with a lower risk of MSDs. Conclusion Physical exercise, smoking, years of service, daily cumulative driving time, driving intervals per round, prolonged smartphone use with head-down posture, self-reported health status, and psychological factors such as work-related stress are influencing factors for MSDs among bus drivers. Drivers should increase physical exercise and change unhealthy living habits. Employers should optimize working conditions, arrange reasonable driving schedules, and foster a positive work environment to reduce MSDs prevalence.
