Abstract:
Background: Lower back pain is among the major and growing health and economic problem affecting almost developed and developing world. Low back pain continues to be the most common musculoskeletal problem in the work place. It affects many workers and contributes to high costs to the companies and individuals. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and risk factors for low back pain among truck drivers in Dar es Salaam Methods: A cross-sectional survey using quantitative research methods were used, where by 415 , truck drivers were interviewed by using structured questionnaire consisting of close ended questions and body weight in kg was measured by using weighing scale machine and tape measure used to check height in cm ,BMI in kg/m2 was calculated by using calculators. Pwani Haulier Company located in Temeke which has 900 trucks and 1000 drivers was chosen for the study. Simple random sampling using lottery method was used to select 415 respondents. Validity and reliability of data questionnaires were tested to forty one truck drivers. The collected data were analyzed using the computer software program (SPSS version 16). Results: Findings revealed a high prevalence of LBP among truck drivers in Dar es Salaam as presented by 88.7% of all study respondents. Moreover, suitable truck seat and adjustable lead restraint and lordosis pad were associated with LBP. Consequently the findings revealed that car vibration, BMI, resting time, work experience, age as well education level showed to have statistically no association with LBP among truck drivers in Dar es Salaam. Conclusion and recommendation: This study identified a high prevalence of LBP among truck drivers in Dar es Salaam. With these findings it is highly recommended that truck seat as well as adjustable lead restrains be used so as to reduce LBP among truck drivers. Moreover other studies should be carried out to determine other factors which might contribute to LBP among truck drivers, abreast the proper preventive intervention to mitigate this occupational health problem should be well known to all stakeholders.
