Ergonomic assessment of work-related musculoskeletal disorder and its determinants among commercial mini bus drivers and driver assistants (mini bus conductors) in Nigeria

Introduction Work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) is a leading causes of occupational injury and disability among drivers and workers in the transport industry. This study evaluated the ergonomically assessed WMSD and its determinants among Nigerian commercial mini bus drivers (BD) and mini bus conductors (BC) Method A total of 379 participants (BD = 200, BC = 179) were purposively sampled for this exploratory cross-sectional study. Participants’ WMSD and work related variables were respectively assessed using the standardized Nordic questionnaire and a content-validated, Driving Work Station Assessment (DWSA) form. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially using chi-square and logistic regression. The level of significance was set at α = 0.05. Results The participants were aged between 20 and 66 years, with a mean age of 33.26±10.76years (BD = 38.42±10.22years, BC = 27.50±8.13years); most of whom consumed alcohol (84.4%) and experienced severe job stress (73.4%). There was a high prevalence (95.8%; BD = 94.5%, BC = 97.8%) of WMSDs, the lower back (66.8%) and upper back (54.1%) had the highest regional prevalence of WMSD. The BC (BC vs BD) had significantly (p<0.05) higher prevalence of Neck (47.7% vs 21.5%) and upper back (80.4% vs 30.5%) WMSDs. Conversely, the BD (BD vs BC) had significantly (p<0.05) higher prevalence of low-back (85.0% vs 46.4%), knee (25.0% vs 9.5%), elbow (11.5% vs 3.9%), and wrist (10.5% vs 3.4%) WMSD. There was a significant association between WMSD and each of work duration (X2 = 11.634, p = 0.009), work frequency (X2 = 8.394, p = 0.039), job dissatisfaction (X2 = 10.620, p = 0.001) and job stress (X2 = 16.879, p = 0.001). Working beyond 4days/week (OR = 10.019, p = 0.001), job dissatisfaction (OR = 1.990, p = 0.031), constrained working postures (OR = 5.324, p = 0.003) and fatigue (OR = 4.719, p = 0.002) were the predictors of WMSD. Conclusion Job stress, work duration and work frequency, posture and fatigue are important determinants of WMSDs among mini bus drivers and their assistants in Nigeria. Ergonomics training intervention for this population is recommended.

Lagos' Bus Stop Names and their Pronunciations by Danfo Bus Conductors

Danfo Buses are one of the main means of transportation in Lagos. For commuters to move from one location to another, it is highly essential that they know their bus stops and how the Danfo bus conductors pronounce them. This is because an inability to understand how these bus stops are pronounced will make it difficult for commuters to locate their destination. This paper aims to classify Lagos bus stop names based on their languages and sources of origin and demystify their pronunciation by Danfo bus conductors. Data was gathered through audio recordings of the speeches of the Danfo bus conductors. Data shows that bus stops in Lagos were named using both the local and English languages. Data also reveals that the names of these bus stops were derived from several ancient landmarks, including religious landmarks, commercial activities, agro-related landmarks, ancient edifices, and long-standing handiwork practices around these bus stops either now or in time past. The data further shows that the Danfo bus conductors employ various phonological processes such as vowel deletion, nasal deletion, vowel lengthening, consonant deletion, and word deletion in the pronunciation of bus stop names. The public is urged to take cognisance of these pronunciations in order not to miss their locations.

Pulmonary Function, Aerobic Capacity, Obesity and Stress Level in Bus Drivers and Conductors in Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation: An Evidence Based Study

Background: In rapidly growing cities there is increased use of motor vehicles. Bus drivers are exposed to toxic gases from the diesel exhaust and atmospheric pollutants, there is an increased risk of decrease in pulmonary function in bus drivers as well as bus conductors. They have irregular shift patterns; prolonged period of driving in congested areas there is an increased stress level thus an increase in cardiovascular risk factors in bus drivers. Due to prolonged period of sitting during driving and irregular meals there is increased risk of obesity in bus drivers and conductors. Purpose: To conduct an evidence based study to find whether pulmonary function, aerobic capacity, obesity and stress level is increased bus drivers and conductors in Gujarat state. Methodology: The study was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines. Evidences selected since year 1994-February 2020 from PubMed, Google Scholar, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), ResearchGate, ScienceDirect and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature. Key words used were: Pulmonary function test, Aerobic capacity, Stress level, Obesity, Bus drivers and Bus conductors. Analysis was done using Modified Sackett Scale Version 4.0. Total 30 articles were found, out of which 20 articles were relevant and from those 14 articles were included in the study and other articles were excluded as per eligibility criteria. Results: 8 studies showed high prevalence of reduced lung volumes. 2 studies showed prevalence of high level of stress. 2 studies showed prevalence of Overweight and obesity. Conclusion: Based on evidences from search engines like Google scholar, PubMed, PEDro, ScienceDirect and ResearchGate from the year 1994- 2020, it can be concluded that bus drivers and conductors may suffer from chronic respiratory disease, high stress level and may have obesity and there is no evidence on aerobic capacity. Keywords: Pulmonary function test, Aerobic capacity, Stress level, Obesity, Bus drivers and Bus conductors.

Frequency Of Low Back Pain and Other Associated Musculoskeletal Disorders In City Bus Conductors of Guwahati city, Assam, India

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal discomfort, especially low back pain (LBP) leads to substantial economic loss to individuals as well as to the community. Musculoskeletal disorders not only lead to loss of health but also loss of wealth. Bus conductors who are an important population in the community are at an increased risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms. Their jobs involve prolonged standing and walking inside the bus for whole day which have been identified as risk factors for musculoskeletal discomfort. Materials and methods: A survey of 100 bus conductors from different bus routes between the age group of 20 to 50 years, having at least 1-year working history and standing for 5 h/day, was conducted in Guwahati city of Assam state. Those with a history of trauma, preexisting medical conditions, or musculoskeletal deformities were excluded. Prevalence of LBP was assessed using Oswestry disability low back Pain Questionnaire, musculoskeletal discomfort was assessed by using Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire. Mean, standard deviation and percentage was calculated for analysis. Result: The mean for Oswestry disability low back pain score is 23.26 and SD is ±9.8786. According to Oswestry disability LBP interpretation score it falls under 21- 40 percent- moderate disability. CMDQ scoring shows the mean SD is higher in lower back, neck and both the knees. The result of the study shows that bus conductors have a higher susceptibility to the back, neck and knees. Conclusion: The bus conductors work continuously for long periods and their severe workload results in the development of disability in lower back. The conductors suffer from MSD in different parts of their body, particularly the lower back, neck and both knees, regions which hinders their normal work activities. Thus, it can be concluded that the bus conductors are highly stressed in their occupation due to the hazardous working condition and work behaviour, which also affects their health and overall work performance. KEY WORDS: Low back pain, Musculoskeletal disorder, Work related musculoskeletal disorder, Bus conductors, Oswestry disability low back pain questionnaire, Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among bus conductors in Nagpur city: An observational study

A wide range of inflammatory and degenerative conditions affecting muscles, tendons, joints, peripheral nerves, are categorized as “musculoskeletal disorders” (MSDs). Exposure to vibration and noises, the varying climatic conditions and the standing posture needs to be considered as a stress factor contributing to his/her health status. As conductors do constant work for 5 to 6 hours with 1-2 breaks in between while working they are constantly exposed to vibrational forces. : To assess the musculoskeletal problems in bus conductors of Nagpur city.: To assess the musculoskeletal problems in bus conductors in last one year (based on site of musculoskeletal problem using Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire). : It was an observational study conducted on 100 bus conductors between age group of 20-50 years working with Nagpur Mahanagar Parivahan Limited (NMPL-AAPLI BUS). Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to assess musculoskeletal pain at various regions of body. : The most commonly affected area was knee joint (37%) followed by lower back (17%) and ankles/feet (11%).

A comparative study of cardiovascular disease risk among bus drivers and bus conductors of a state transport corporation in North Goa

Background: Bus drivers and bus conductors are predisposed to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks.Driving for long duration involves prolonged sitting, which enforces sedentary behavior among drivers in comparison to conductors who have the freedom to move aboutBackground: Bus drivers and bus conductors are predisposed to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks.Driving for long duration involves prolonged sitting, which enforces sedentary behavior among drivers in comparison to conductors who have the freedom to move about in the bus. The aim and objectives of the study were to identify selected risk factors for CVDs among bus drivers and bus conductors; to estimate the CVDs risk among them using Framingham risk score and to study the difference of risk factors and CVDs risk between bus drivers and conductors.Methods: The present study was a comparative cross-sectional study among 105 bus drivers and 105 bus conductors at the Panaji bus depot of Goa. A pre-designed semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data along with anthropometric, clinical examination and blood investigations. The Framingham risk score with BMI and lipids was used to compare the CVD risk.Results: Higher percentage of bus drivers had diabetes, hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia. When the CVD risk was compared using the Framingham risk score, 63.8% bus drivers had intermediate-high CVD risk using FRS-BMI compared to 46.7% bus conductors and the difference is found to be significant. Using FRS- lipids, 65.7% bus drivers had intermediate-high risk compared to 53.3% bus conductors.Conclusions: The behavioral risk factors for CVD were higher among bus drivers compared to bus conductors. in the bus. Aims and objectives: 1) To identify selected risk factors for CVDs among bus drivers and bus conductors 2) To estimate the CVDs risk among them using Framingham risk score 3)To study the difference of risk factors and CVDs risk between bus drivers and conductors.Methods: The present study is a comparative cross sectional study among 105 bus drivers and 105 bus conductors at the Panaji bus depot of Goa. A predesigned semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data along with anthropometric, clinical examination and blood investigations. The Framingham risk score with BMI and Lipids was used to compare the CVD riskResults:Higher percentage of bus drivers had diabetes, hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia. When the CVD risk was compared using the Framingham risk score, 63.8 % bus drivers had intermediate-high CVD risk using FRS-BMI compared to 46.7 % bus conductors and the difference is found to be significant. Using FRS-Lipids, 65.7 % bus drivers had intermediate-high risk compared to 53.3 % bus conductors.Conclusion: The behavioural risk factors for CVD were higher among bus drivers compared to bus conductors.

Serosurveys for SARS-CoV-2: need of the hour

This letter is regarding tackling the highly infectious coronavirus disease (COVID-19).Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread across the globe, causing a worldwide pandemic. The total number of cases across the globe is about 11.6 million with over 5 lakh deaths. The number of individuals detected is always less than the actual number of infected, in nearly all respiratory viral pandemics. Rapid Point-of-Care Antigen detection test can detect SARS-CoV-2 early in the field setting. It has moderate sensitivity and high specificity yet limited availability. This test can be employed in the hospitals and containment zones and would aid in contact tracing, isolation of the affected individuals, localized containment and directing quarantine measures. IgG antibodies usually appear after one week of onset of infection and may last for several months. Serosurveys that detect these antibodies using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) help in the assessment of asymptomatic infection in close contacts, enhance the current understanding of the spread of disease, individual’s immune status and in identifying potential plasma donors. Case fatality rate is positively associated with SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence as was demonstrated in the survey conducted in the Spanish population. Immuno-compromised patients, healthcare workers, relatively young working population comprising of bankers, media persons, individuals working at airports, overseas operations and industries, staff in municipal bodies, shopkeepers, vendors, courier services, telecommunication offices, drivers of hospital ambulances, hearse vans, buses, auto-rickshaw, taxies; bus conductors, farmers, electricity workers, migrant labourers who have travelled back from urban and peri-urban areas to rural/tribal; inhabitants of hard to reach areas, prisoners, densely populated regions of the country as well as natives after coming in contact with returned migrant; police and security personnel, those staying in institutional settings and hostels and inhabitants of containment zones should all be tested for the presence of antibodies against the virus.

Language Choice Among Commuter Bus Conductors (Drivers' Mates) and Passengers at Kumasi Kejetia Bus Terminal, Ghana

This research aims to examine the language used by the commuter bus conductors and passengers moving to and from Kejetia bus terminal in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana. This research basically focuses on sociolinguistics approach. The source of the data is purely the utterances of the bus conductors and the passengers on board in the commuter buses. Observation and recording were used as the data collection instruments in the study. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyze the data gathered. The study found Asante Twi dialect as the most dominant language choice of the majority of the sampled population (passengers and drivers' mates). The use of unmarked code switching in conversational discourse was not uncommon among participants. Finally, the study found English language to be the second most dominant language choice in the participants' verbal discourse. The implication is that apart from Akan language, all the other seven languages stand the risk of experiencing language shift leading to eventual language death should the ethnic groups concerned fail to maintain their languages.