Comparative Analysis of the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain and Discomfort in Truck Drivers by Age Group

Aims: To investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort reported by truck drivers compared to advancing age.

Study Design: This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach.

Place and Duration of Study: University of Gurupi, Campus Paraíso do Tocantins - Brazil, from January to June 2023.

Methodology: Descriptive study with a qualitative approach with relevance of 95% in (P<0.05) and degree of freedom = 1 with comparative percentage analysis of the data obtained through the (qvs 80) questionnaire. The study was submitted and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the University of Gurupi (CEP/Unirg) under opinion number 5,694,439, through resolution 466 of December 12, 2012 of the National Health Council. Data collection was carried out at Posto Marajó Paraíso do Tocantins II LTDA, in the municipality of Paraíso do Tocantins.

Results: Main complaints of pain in truck drivers under 51 years old: 13 per cent back pain, 11 per cent pain in the head and/or eyes, 3% arms and/or shoulders, 1% pain in the wrists and/or hands, 3 per cent pain in the feet and/or legs, 59 per cent did not feel pain and 10 per cent multiple involvements.

In the case of truck drivers aged over 49 years, 8% of respondents reported pain in the spine, 6% pain in the head and/or eyes, 0% in the arms and/or shoulders, 3% felt pain in the wrists and/or hands, 0% constant discomfort in the feet and/or legs, and 60% indicated that they did not feel pain and 23% indicated multiple attacks.

Conclusion: It was reported that the frequency of pain in truck drivers is not directly related to age, but to the working conditions performed by truck drivers, since more than 70% of drivers who report single or multiple pain and discomfort are younger than 50 years.