[Study of the prevalence of neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders in schoolbus drivers].
The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of symptoms to the neck and shoulders among schoolbus drivers. One hundred-twenty-six schoolbus drivers were asked to complete a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire derived from the Nordic standardized questionnaire on their symptoms and work exposure. The participation rate was 80%. Further information was obtained through questions on the number of working hours per week and the type of vehicle driven. The prevalence of problems to the neck and shoulders was measured during the previous seven days and the previous year. In the previous 12 months, the prevalence of problems to the neck was 38% and to the shoulders, 37%. Women and young drivers showed more overall problems; the risk increased with the number of working hours per week. The use of manual transmission suggested a protective effect. The results of the study showed that schoolbus drivers had more health problems to the neck and shoulders than are found in the general population. Restricted postures, the force necessary to open and close doors, repetitive movements and work related stress are suspected risk factors; more studies will be necessary to further demonstrate the role of such risk factors in the etiology of these health problems.
Gourdeau
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CLSC Haute-Ville, Département de médecine du travail, Charlesbourg.
D000328:Adult; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009333:Neck; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D011792:Quebec / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012574:Schools; D012782:Shoulder; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014186:Transportation