Prevalence and Determinants of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Bus Drivers in Delhi: A Cross-sectional Study

IntroductIonMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a group of conditions affecting the muscles, bones, joints, nerves, tendons, and other soft tissues, often presenting with pain, discomfort, and functional limitations that can significantly impair quality of life and work performance. [1][2]2][3] Globally, MSDs represent a major burden of disease, contributing to high rates of disability, absenteeism, and decreased productivity across diverse occupational sectors.The World Health Organization identifies MSDs as a leading cause of work-related disability affecting 1.71 billion people, making MSDs the largest contributor to years lived with disabilities (YLDs) and accounting for about 17% of all YLDs worldwide. 4The global age-standardized prevalence rate of MSDs was approximately 16,276 per 1,00,000 population in 2017, with higher rates observed among women and older adults. 5Notably, low back pain is the most common manifestation, constituting 36.8% of all MSD cases globally.The burden of MSDs is expected to increase further, with projections indicating a significant rise in cases by 2050 due to population aging and other risk factors, especially in jobs involving repetitive movements, awkward postures, or prolonged static positions.