Occupational lower back pain and associated factors among taxi drivers in Mekelle city, north Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives . This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of lower back pain (LBP) among taxi drivers working in Mekelle city, Tigray, Ethiopia in 2018. Methods . A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2018 on a sample of 294 male taxi drivers in Mekelle city, Tigray, Ethiopia. A self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to collect data. Independent variables that had a significant association were identified using logistic regression models. Results were reported using texts and frequency distribution tables. Results . From a total sample of 304 male drivers, 294 taxi drivers participated; hence, the response rate was 96.7%. Prevalence of self-reported LBP in the past 12 months among taxi drivers was 27.9%. Average daily hours of driving (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.296, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.194, 4.416]), using lumbar support while driving (AOR 2.075, 95% CI [1.130, 3.808]) and lack of ergonomic awareness (AOR 2.478, 95% CI [1.343, 4.575]) were significantly associated ( p  < 0.05) with LBP among taxi drivers. Conclusion . Prevalence of LBP in this study was more than a quarter. Average daily hours driving, use of lumbar support and ergonomics awareness were significant determinants of LBP among taxi drivers.