Knowledge, attitude and preventive practices on work-related musculoskeletal disorders among commercial drivers in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a major public health concern worldwide, accounting for 42–58% of all work-related illnesses. These disorders encompass a wide range of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, leading to chronic pain and functional limitations. In Ogun State, high rates of musculoskeletal disorders have been reported among drivers. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and preventive practices on work-related musculoskeletal disorders among Commercial drivers in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. The study employed a cross-sectional design. One hundred and seventy-eight drivers were selected through a multistage sampling procedure. A validated questionnaire, which was interviewer-administered, was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics summarized respondent characteristics and Pearson’s correlation was used to establish relationship between variables at a 5% significance level. The respondents had a mean age of 43.44 ± 9.11 and 75.3% were married. More than half of the drivers (56.8%) had good knowledge (x̄ = 8.09 ± 3.09), 66.4% demonstrated a positive attitude towards musculoskeletal disorders and its prevention (x̄ = 24.49 ± 3.75), while 40.9% of them engaged in good prevention practices (x̄ = 26.56 ± 6.56). Attitude (r = − 0.178, p < 0.05) had a significant negative relationship with preventive practices, indicating barriers. Drivers demonstrated moderate knowledge, positive attitudes and poor preventive practices toward musculoskeletal disorders. Personalized health education is recommended in order to enhance their knowledge of the disease and promote sustained adoption of effective preventive practices.