Cent Eur J Public Health 2017, 25(2):135-140

Psychosocial Risk Factors for Low Back Pain and Absenteeism among Slovenian Professional Drivers

Friderika Kresal1, Jana Suklan2, Vasja Roblek3, Andrej Jerman4, Maja Meško3
1 Fizioterapevtika, Institution of higher education, Medvode, Slovenia
2 School of Advanced Social Studies in Nova Gorica, Nova Gorica, Slovenia
3 Faculty of management, University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia
4 Ljubljanski potniški promet, d.d., Ljubljana, Slovenia

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the most common psychosocial risk factors for absenteeism and the extent to which low back pain occurs among Slovenian professional drivers as result of various psychosocial risk factors.

Method: The study involved 275 professional drivers, mostly men (mean age 41.6 years). Statistical data analysis was conducted using SPSS package version 21, MS Excel version 2007 and Pajek, version 3. The main method for data processing was regression analysis.

Results: The results of the quantitative survey showed that lower back pain is mostly caused by lifting and carrying heavy loads, inadequate working conditions, poor physical fitness, regular nights out, shift work, and stress. Dissatisfaction with work, shift work and unsuitable working conditions significantly affect the incidence of low back pain. Absenteeism is influenced by factors such as dissatisfaction at work, disrespectful attitude of managers, unsuitable working conditions, personal dissatisfaction, lack of understanding of the partner, and enjoying nightlife on a regular basis.

Conclusions: The study clarifies the unexplained holistic psychosocial risk factors and treatment effects on health in the population of professional drivers. Such factors can lead to absenteeism. The study also provides initial demonstration research in the Slovenian practice. Furthermore, it provides solutions in a holistic approach to solve the problem of risk factors management.

Keywords: absenteeism, low back pain, professional drivers, psychosocial factors, regression analysis

Received: April 9, 2015; Revised: September 12, 2016; Accepted: September 12, 2016; Published: June 1, 2017  Show citation

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Kresal F, Suklan J, Roblek V, Jerman A, Meško M. Psychosocial Risk Factors for Low Back Pain and Absenteeism among Slovenian Professional Drivers. Cent Eur J Public Health. 2017;25(2):135-140. PubMed PMID: 28662324.
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