Prevalence and Associated Factors of Musculoskeletal Pain Among Traffic Police Personnel in Jalalabad City: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Musculoskeletal pain is a common occupational health problem among traffic police personnel, who may experience prolonged standing, static postures, and demanding field duties. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and its associated factors among traffic police personnel in Jalalabad City. A cross-sectional study was conducted among traffic police personnel from 1 October to 30 November 2025 in Jalalabad City, Nangarhar, Afghanistan. A total of 151 traffic police personnel were included using a non-probability convenience sampling method. Data were collected through a modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to assess associations between musculoskeletal pain and selected demographic, occupational, and lifestyle characteristics, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The overall 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was 104 (68.9%), while the 7-day prevalence was 78 (51.7%). The most commonly affected body regions were the lower back (52.3%), neck (47.0%), and shoulders (44.4%). Musculoskeletal pain was significantly associated with age group, body mass index, working hours per day, physical activity, and ergonomic practices. Higher prevalence was observed among older participants, those who were overweight or obese, those working more than 8 hours per day, those who reported no regular physical activity, and those with poor ergonomic practices. Gender and residence were not significantly associated with musculoskeletal pain. Among participants, 64 (42.3%) reported functional limitations and 55 (36.5%) reported work absenteeism due to musculoskeletal pain during the previous 12 months. The findings indicate a high burden of musculoskeletal pain among traffic police personnel in Jalalabad City. The observed associations with demographic, occupational, and lifestyle factors highlight the need for occupational health measures, including ergonomic education, promotion of physical activity, and appropriate management of working hours.

Keywords: Ergonomics; Musculoskeletal Pain; Occupational Exposure; Prevalence; Traffic Police