Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Sedentary Behaviour, and Physical Activity Patterns Among Taxi Drivers in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major occupational health concern among professional drivers due to prolonged sitting, static postures, limited physical activity, and poor ergonomics. This study investigated the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity patterns among taxi drivers in Nairobi, Kenya. A cross-sectional analytical survey design was employed, targeting 200 taxi drivers randomly selected from the top 10 registered taxi companies in Nairobi. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires, including the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire (CMDQ), Occupation Sitting and Physical Activity Questionnaire (OSPAQ), and Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire (SBQ). Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square and logistic regression analyses, were used to examine associations between prolonged sitting, sedentary behaviour, physical inactivity, and the prevalence of MSDs. The findings revealed that 42.2% of taxi drivers reported experiencing musculoskeletal pain, with the lower back (60%) and hips (52.9%) being the most commonly affected regions. Drivers with 5–6 years of experience reported the highest incidence of MSDs. Prolonged sitting, inadequate physical activity, and poor ergonomics were significantly associated with musculoskeletal discomfort (p < 0.05). Male drivers dominated the workforce (87.8%), with the majority aged 31–35 years. The study highlights the occupational vulnerability of taxi drivers to MSDs, emphasizing the need for ergonomic interventions, physical activity promotion, and targeted occupational health policies. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence on work-related musculoskeletal disorders in sedentary occupations and provide a foundation for future interventions aimed at reducing MSD prevalence among taxi drivers in Nairobi and similar urban settings.