The prevalence and associated risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders in students who utilise public transport at a University of Technology in South Africa

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders are injuries affecting the musculoskeletal system, which includes muscles, bones, tendons, joints, and ligaments. These disorders are experienced from childhood to old age have a higher frequency of complaints by working age individuals to health care practitioners. Musculoskeletal disorders can affect individuals’ capacity to work and in more severe cases, can limit their capability to participate in activities of daily living. Transportation is an important part of everyday life within our modern society. In South Africa, public transport comprises the use of minibus taxis, buses and the metro railway system. The national household travel survey of 2020 demonstrated that public transport is the most accessible means of travel, with minibus taxis dominating with 25.7%, followed by buses with 4.5% and lastly the metro railway with 0.7%. In contrast private transport had 25.9%. 41.7% walked as a mode of travel and 1.5% of respondents used other modes of transport. Students have a high travel demand such as Rhodes University recording an estimated 11660 trips in 2014. A large number of students at the Durban University of Technology, South Africa, commute to and from campus using public transport. These students are placed at risk for further exacerbation of current musculoskeletal disorders or the onset of them. A gap in the literature with respect to musculoskeletal disorders among university students who travel using public transport exists and, therefore, this study aimed to fill the gap in that literature. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the point prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders among students who utilise public transportation at a university of technology. Methodology This study was designed as a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional survey, and was conducted online with registered students at the Durban University of Technology who commute using public transport. The online questionnaire was administered via a link to QuestionPro to the university students in order to determine the point prevalence and associated risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders. The questionnaire included demographic information, transport routine factors, factors of musculoskeletal disorder and the impacts of musculoskeletal disorders. The captured data were sent to a statistician for statistical analysis. Results A total of 382 completed online questionnaires were analysed, giving a response rate of 72.8%. The results showed a moderately high prevalence (62.3%) of musculoskeletal disorders among the students. The most affected areas of pain were the lower back (39.95%), neck (27.8%), shoulder (27.8%) and upper back (27.4%), while the least prevalent region was the elbow (5.0%). Factors that were considered statistically significant among the students included stress, excessive alcohol consumption, and previous history of trauma. Transport related factors such as the duration of transport (time) were also statistically significant. Conclusions and Recommendations This study highlights the point prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders among university students using public transportation. To mitigate these risks, future research should adopt longitudinal design, incorporate objective clinical assessments, and compare different transport modes. Preventative strategies, including student awareness programmes on posture and physical activity, reduced carrying loads through digital learning and ergonomic improvements in public transport seating and suspension, are recommended. Collaboration among educational institutions, transportation authorities, and healthcare professionals is essential to reduce musculoskeletal disorders, ultimately enhance students’ well being, academic performance, and quality of life.