Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research (Sep 2024)

Prevalence of and risk factors for low back pain among professional drivers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • Jingwen Jia,
  • Mingtao Zhang,
  • Zhenyu Cao,
  • Zhijing Yang,
  • Xuchang Hu,
  • Shuanhu Lei,
  • Yibao Zhang,
  • Wenting Leng,
  • Xuewen Kang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-024-04999-z
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 19, no. 1
pp. 1 – 19

Abstract

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Abstract Purpose A growing body of research indicates a correlation between occupational exposure, particularly among individuals in driving-related occupations, and the incidence of low back pain (LBP). Methods Databases were systematically searched, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SinoMed, from their inception through December 2023 for relevant studies of the prevalence and risk factors of LBP among professional drivers. Subsequent meta-analyses were performed utilizing Stata 17.0 and RevMan 5.4 software, while risk factor indicators were assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation evidence quality grading system. Results A systematic review and meta-analysis comprising 19 studies involving 7,723 patients indicated that the incidence of LBP among drivers was 39% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20–0.57) in the past 7 days and 53% (95% CI 0.43–0.63) in the past 12 months. A subgroup analysis revealed a prevalence of 48% (95% CI 0.33–0.64) in 2005–2015 and 56% (95% CI 0.42–0.70) in 2016–2023. Among the identified factors, robust evidence highlighted age ≥ 41 years (odds ratio [OR] = 2.10; 95% CI 1.36–3.24; P = 0.0008), alcohol consumption (OR = 1.75; 95% CI 1.31–2.34; P = 0.0001), sleeping 10 h/day (OR = 2.49; 95% CI 1.89–3.28; P 5 years’ driving experience (OR = 2.12; 95% CI 1.66–2.69; P < 0.00001), a lack of back support (OR = 1.81; 95% CI 1.25–2.62; P = 0.002), high work-related pressure (OR = 2.04; 95% CI 1.59–2.61; P < 0.00001), and job dissatisfaction (OR = 1.57; 95% CI 1.23–2.01; P = 0.0003) as moderate risk factors. There was no evidence of body mass index or smoking as risk factors for LBP among professional drivers. Conclusion The current evidence indicates an increasing annual trend in the prevalence of LBP among professional drivers. Factors including age ≥ 41 years, alcohol consumption, and sleeping < 6 h/night were among the 12 influential factors contributing to LBP in professional drivers. Enhancing awareness of these factors and formulating targeted preventive strategies may be beneficial.

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