Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Traditional and Modern Jeepney Drivers: Prevalence, Location, and Severity Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64397/nepj.v01i02.2025.a22Keywords:
Modern jeepney drivers, musculoskeletal disorders, occupational health, public utility vehicle, modernization program, traditional jeepney driversAbstract
Introduction: Jeepneys are an essential form of public transportation in the Philippines. Drivers face occupational health risks, particularly musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), influenced by multiple factors. Despite modernization efforts under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), MSDs continue to affect drivers, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive health assessment.
Aim: The study aims to assess the prevalence, location, and severity of MSDs among traditional and modern jeepney drivers in Baguio City, and to investigate associations with age, number of hours driven, and years of experience.
Methods: This study, guided by Neuman’s System Model, examined the prevalence, location, severity, and associated factors of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among traditional and modern jeepney drivers in Baguio City. A cross-sectional analytic design was employed involving 113 male jeepney drivers recruited through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using the modified Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ-E) to assess the prevalence, location, severity, and associations of MSDs with driver age, type of jeepney, hours of driving, and years of driving experience. Statistical analyses included chi-square, Fisher’s Exact, and Monte Carlo tests.
Results: MSD prevalence was 56.6% (95% confidence interval, 47.5%-65.7%), with low back pain (33%; 95% CI: 25-42.4) being the most reported location. Severity varied, affecting functional abilities, although severe consequences, such as hospitalization, were rare. No significant associations were found between MSD prevalence, location, or severity and driver characteristics. These findings support a multifactorial etiology involving occupational exposures and individual factors.
Conclusion: Nurses play a vital role in educating drivers on proper posture, encouraging regular health breaks, and promoting the use of simple, supportive aids to reduce MSD risk, especially during ongoing vehicle modernization. Immediate and practical nurse-led interventions can significantly improve driver well-being while vehicle modernization progresses. Future research may focus on longitudinal studies, workplace ergonomic assessment, and objective measurements of vibration exposure to better understand the progression of MSDs and support evidence-based interventions and policy development.
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