Whole-body vibration exposure and chronic low back pain among heavy machine operators and long-haul truck drivers in Tanzania

A cross-sectional study

Bibliographic Data

ID22084282
AuthorsIsrael Paul Nyarubeli (0000-0003-1506-0076, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences), Israel Nyarubeli (University of Bergen), Gloria Sakwari (0000-0003-0118-8634, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences), Gloria H Sakwari (Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences), Suleiman Chombo (0009-0002-9429-526X, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences), Susan Reuben (Workers Compensation Board of British Columbia), Naanjela Msangi (Workers Compensation Board of British Columbia), Robert Duguza (Workers Compensation Board of British Columbia), Bryan Francis (Workers Compensation Board of British Columbia), Simon Lwaho (Health and Safety Authority), Abdulsalaam Omar (Workers Compensation Board of British Columbia), John Mduma (Workers Compensation Fund (WCF)), John K Mduma (Workers Compensation Board of British Columbia)
Year2026
Volume14
Pages1735367-1735367
Publication date2026-03-16
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2026.1735367
PMID41919277
OpenAlexW7136191394
LanguageEN
References cited36

Background: The Workers Compensation Fund (WCF) in Tanzania has noted an increased rate of injury claims for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs), particularly chronic low back pain among truck drivers and heavy machine operators. These trends indicate a likelihood of occupational exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV), nevertheless local and contextual evidence is needed to guide policy and decision-making. This study aimed to quantity and characterize the WBV exposure and examined its association with self-reported 12-month chronic low back pain among heavy machine operators and long-haul truck drivers in Tanzania. Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study of 632 participants in 2023 with a total of 141 WBV measurements. The WBV was measured at the seat-operator interface and analyzed using the International Organization for Standardization - ISO 2631-1:1997 to derive 8-h equivalent daily exposure, A(8). A standardized and pretested questionnaire was used to collect information on WRMSDs related factors. Data were analyzed using regression models and Chronic low back pain was defined as self-reported low back pain during the preceding 12 months. Results: was associated with higher prevalence of chronic low back pain (adjusted RR 1.22; 95% CI 1.01-1.47), as were working in the mining sector (adjusted RR 1.36; 95% CI 1.05-1.75), increase in body mass index (BMI) (adjusted RR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00-1.04) and reporting leg pain symptoms (adjusted RR 2.36; 95% CI 2.04-2.73). Conclusion: A significant number of measurements exceeded the Directive 2002/44/EC EAV, and a substantial proportion of workers reported chronic low back pain, suggesting a potential relationship. Preventive interventions to reduce WBV exposure could benefit heavy machine operators and truck drivers. Longitudinal studies with repeated measurements are warranted to better characterize exposure variability and WRMSDs

Back injury · Back pain · Chronic pain · Low back pain · Tanzania · Truck · Whole body vibration · Effects of Vibration on Health · Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders · Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation

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