300 Section - Exploring the Impact of Occupational Factors on Low Back Pain Among Ride-Sharing Motorbike Drivers in Bangladesh: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM PT

Presenting Author/Autor expositor(s)

MI

Monirul Islam, MD

Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation, Sherebangla Nagar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Objectives :

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of LBP and identify sociodemographic, behavioural, and occupational predictors among RSMDs in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Design:

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Dhaka City Corporation area between May and August 2023. A total of 633 Bangladeshi RSMDs aged ≥ 18 years participated. Data were collected using a structured, paper-based questionnaire adapted from Eriksen et al. to assess LBP experienced in the past 30 days, with severity and duration scores combined into a composite pain index. Categorical variables were analysed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. Multiple logistic regression models were applied to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for variables significantly associated with LBP in bivariate analyses.

Results:

Among the 633 RSMDs (mean age 33.5 ± 5.6 years), the one-month prevalence of LBP was 58.8%. Drivers reporting hypertension (aOR 2.69, 95% CI 1.17–6.21), those using multiple ride-sharing operators (aOR 8.21, 95% CI 2.67–25.27), commuter-type motorbikes (aOR 1.80, 95% CI 1.04–3.08), older motorbikes ( >10 years) (aOR 4.36, 95% CI 1.15–16.59), and non-use of riding kits (aOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.24–3.52) had significantly higher odds of LBP. Increased age (aOR 1.10 per year, 95% CI 1.04–1.16), higher body mass index (aOR 1.15 per kg/m², 95% CI 1.06–1.25), and longer weekly riding distance (aOR 1.001 per km, 95% CI 1.000–1.002) were also significant predictors.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates that more than half of RSMDs in Bangladesh experience LBP, and that occupational factors—including long riding hours, vibration exposure, inadequate ergonomic support, and absence of protective gear—are major predictors. These findings highlight the need for preventive strategies incorporating ergonomic redesign, regular exercise, rider health education, and scheduled rest periods.