Association between musculoskeletal disorders and health-related quality of life in Chilean and Spanish taxi drivers

PurposeTaxi 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.MethodsThis 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.ResultsA 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).ConclusionThese findings highlight the physical strain and vulnerability of professional drivers, underscoring the need for ergonomic initiatives and policy measures tailored to their context.