Short vs. Long-Distance Deep-Seaport Container Truck Drivers' Prevalence and Perceived Discomfort on Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Thailand Eastern Economic Corridor

• Published in: International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics 2021-05, p.1
• Main Authors: Sa-Ngiamsak, Teerayut, Thetkathuek, Anamai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2376-9130
• DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2021.1932313

This research objective was to study the prevalence and perceived discomfort on musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms among short and long-distance deep-seaport truck drivers. A cross-sectional analysis using a standardized modified version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was carried out using direct interviews to 25 male participants: 15 short and 10 long-distance truck driving types. As much as 88% was reported for the existence of MSK symptoms in the past 12 months. Considering all trucks group, regardless short or long distance, lower back was found with the highest prevalence (72%) followed by neck (32%). The test showed long-distance truck drivers had significantly more prevalence on the neck (  0.028) than the short in statistics. Perceived discomfort by Borg CR-10 scale affirmed lower back was with the highest score (2.4) followed by neck (1.44). Kruskal-Wallis-test revealed long-distance truck drivers had significant higher scores on lower back and neck at  0.039 and 0.009 respectively. Longer exposure to prolonged non-natural working postures, vibration, traffic conditions and working stress could be the judicial causes. To minimize this problem, integrated interventions need to be implemented with particular measures among short and long-distance truck drivers.