Association between musculoskeletal disorders and health-related quality of life in Chilean and Spanish taxi drivers
Marín-Berges, Marta (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Gómez-Bruton, Alejandro (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Lizana, Pablo A. ; Cáceres, Maximiliano ; Magaña, Pía ; Iguacel, Isabel (Universidad de Zaragoza)
Resumen: Purpose
Taxi drivers are often exposed to long working hours, sedentary lifestyles, and prolonged static postures, increasing their risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and negatively affecting their health-related quality of life (QoL). Robust estimates linking the burden of MSDs with QoL in taxi drivers remain scarce, especially in interregional comparisons. Therefore, we estimated the prevalence of MSDs and examined whether the number and distribution of painful regions were associated with QoL, adjusting for key sociodemographic factors, in samples of drivers from Chile and Spain.
Methods
This cross-sectional study assessed 217 professional drivers (102 in Valparaíso, Chile, and 115 in Zaragoza, Spain) using validated questionnaires to assess MSD (Nordic Standardised Questionnaire), QoL (SF-36), and socio-demographic characteristics. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression models were applied.
Results
A high prevalence of MSDs was reported (83.0%), with the lower back (51.6%), neck (50.2%), and right shoulder (34.5%) being the most affected regions. In both countries, the presence of two or more painful regions was significantly associated with worse physical QoL (Chile OR 5.8, 95% CI 2.20–15.27; Spain OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.39–8.22). Among Chilean drivers, older age and the perception of a precarious financial situation were statistically associated with poorer physical QoL (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.01–1.09; OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.14–7.04, respectively). In Spain, the perception of financial difficulties was associated with poorer mental QoL (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.08–8.84).
Conclusion
These findings highlight the physical strain and vulnerability of professional drivers, underscoring the need for ergonomic initiatives and policy measures tailored to their context.
Idioma: Inglés
DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2026005
Año: 2026
Publicado en: AIMS public health 13, 1 (2026), 63-81
ISSN: 2327-8994
Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)
Área (Departamento): Área Enfermería (Dpto. Fisiatría y Enfermería)
Área (Departamento): Área Educación Física y Depor. (Dpto. Fisiatría y Enfermería)
Área (Departamento): Área Fisioterapia (Dpto. Fisiatría y Enfermería)
You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
Exportado de SIDERAL (2026-02-02-14:39:56)
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Taxi drivers are often exposed to long working hours, sedentary lifestyles, and prolonged static postures, increasing their risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and negatively affecting their health-related quality of life (QoL). Robust estimates linking the burden of MSDs with QoL in taxi drivers remain scarce, especially in interregional comparisons. Therefore, we estimated the prevalence of MSDs and examined whether the number and distribution of painful regions were associated with QoL, adjusting for key sociodemographic factors, in samples of drivers from Chile and Spain.
Methods
This cross-sectional study assessed 217 professional drivers (102 in Valparaíso, Chile, and 115 in Zaragoza, Spain) using validated questionnaires to assess MSD (Nordic Standardised Questionnaire), QoL (SF-36), and socio-demographic characteristics. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression models were applied.
Results
A high prevalence of MSDs was reported (83.0%), with the lower back (51.6%), neck (50.2%), and right shoulder (34.5%) being the most affected regions. In both countries, the presence of two or more painful regions was significantly associated with worse physical QoL (Chile OR 5.8, 95% CI 2.20–15.27; Spain OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.39–8.22). Among Chilean drivers, older age and the perception of a precarious financial situation were statistically associated with poorer physical QoL (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.01–1.09; OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.14–7.04, respectively). In Spain, the perception of financial difficulties was associated with poorer mental QoL (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.08–8.84).
Conclusion
These findings highlight the physical strain and vulnerability of professional drivers, underscoring the need for ergonomic initiatives and policy measures tailored to their context.
Idioma: Inglés
DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2026005
Año: 2026
Publicado en: AIMS public health 13, 1 (2026), 63-81
ISSN: 2327-8994
Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)
Área (Departamento): Área Enfermería (Dpto. Fisiatría y Enfermería)
Área (Departamento): Área Educación Física y Depor. (Dpto. Fisiatría y Enfermería)
Área (Departamento): Área Fisioterapia (Dpto. Fisiatría y Enfermería)
You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. Exportado de SIDERAL (2026-02-02-14:39:56)
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Articles > Artículos por área > Educación Física y Deportiva
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Record created 2026-02-02, last modified 2026-02-02