Evaluating Arthralgia Severity in Male Drivers Aged 30-50 Using Pain Questionnaires: An Observational Study

Introduction

Arthralgia, commonly known as joint pain, is a prevalent musculoskeletal complaint affecting individuals across various demographics and occupations. Amongst the working population, individuals engaged in professions requiring prolonged sitting or repetitive movements, such as driving, are particularly susceptible to the development of arthralgia. Male drivers aged 30-50 years represent a significant demographic within this context; yet there exists a notable gap in understanding the severity of arthralgia within this specific group.

The impact of arthralgia extends beyond mere discomfort, potentially impairing daily activities and work performance. However, despite its implications for occupational health and overall well-being, research focusing on arthralgia severity among male drivers aged 30-50 years remains scarce. Recognizing the importance of addressing this gap, the present observational study seeks to analyze the severity of arthralgia in this demographic group through the utilization of a comprehensive pain questionnaire.

By assessing the intensity, frequency, and impact of joint pain on male drivers aged 30-50 years, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the severity and duration of arthralgia within this population. Furthermore, by examining factors such as driving duration, the study endeavors to elucidate potential contributors to the observed severity of arthralgia.

Understanding the severity of arthralgia among male drivers aged 30-50 years is essential for informing targeted interventions aimed at alleviating pain, improving work performance, and enhancing overall quality of life. By bridging this knowledge gap, the findings of this study hold potential to guide future research endeavors and facilitate the development of tailored strategies for the management and prevention of arthralgia in male drivers within this age group.¹

Most existing studies on joint pain primarily focus on general populations or specific conditions like osteoarthritis, without disaggregating data by occupation or driving behavior. For instance, while research has extensively documented the impact of prolonged sitting on musculoskeletal health, few studies have concentrated on how this relates specifically to driving and the unique ergonomic challenges faced by drivers.^2,3

Additionally, while there is evidence that prolonged sitting can exacerbate joint pain, and that drivers are at risk for various musculoskeletal disorders due to prolonged static postures, the specific nuances of how these factors contribute to arthralgia severity in drivers aged 30-50 years remain underexplored.^4,5 Research on the intersection of driving duration, ergonomic conditions, and joint pain is sparse, leaving a critical gap in understanding how these factors collectively influence arthralgia.⁶ Moreover, existing studies often fail to address the specific needs of male drivers within this age range, who may experience different patterns of joint pain compared to other demographics.⁷ ICD (International Classification of Diseases) code for arthralgia:  M25.5 Pain in joint helps guide clinical decision-making and supports research into joint pain causes, treatments, and outcomes.⁸

Aim

To assess and analyze the severity of arthralgia in male drivers aged 30-50 years through a pain questionnaire.

Objectives

1. Investigating the intensity of joint pain experienced by male drivers aged 30-50 years through the utilization of a pain questionnaire.
2. Understanding the correlation between the duration of driving and the onset and progression of joint pain (arthralgia)

Materials and Methods

The subjects for this survey were drawn from Nehru Nagar, Belagavi. The study focused on drivers aged between 30 and 50 years, employing an observational research design. Conducted over a period of three months, from April 2, 2023, to July 2, 2023, the study included a sample size of 63 participants. Inclusion criteria required subjects to consent to the study, be within the specified age range, and actively drive a vehicle. Exclusion criteria involved individuals with mechanical injuries, a history of trauma, or any systemic disorders. Data collection was carried out using a Joint Pain Questionnaire Survey form, which served as the primary tool for gathering information (Appendix 1).⁹

Results

The study's patient cohort consisted of 63 individuals, categorized into four age groups. The largest group was aged 36-40 years, comprising 36.5% of the patients with 23 individuals. The next largest group was 30-35 years old, including 26.9% of the participants, totaling 17 patients. Patients aged 46-50 years made up 20.6% of the cohort, with 13 individuals, while the smallest group was those aged 41-45 years, accounting for 15.8% of the patients, or 10 individuals. This distribution provides a snapshot of the age demographics within the study population (Table 1).

The results presented in Table 2 on the severity of arthralgia across different age groups are as follows: For ages 30-35 years, there were two patients with no pain, three with mild pain, eight with moderate pain, and four with severe pain, while none reported very severe pain. In the 36-40 years age group, six patients had no pain, eight experienced mild pain, six had moderate pain, and three had severe pain, with none reporting very severe pain. Among patients aged 41-45 years, three reported no pain, four had mild pain, and three experienced moderate pain, with no cases of severe or very severe pain. For those aged 46-50 years, three had no pain, five had mild pain, four experienced moderate pain, and one had severe pain, with no patients reporting very severe pain. This data indicates that most patients experienced mild to moderate pain, with fewer instances of severe pain across the age groups.

The results presented in Table 3 indicate that, among patients aged 30-35 years, three patients reported driving for less than three months, eight for 3-12 months, four for 1-2 years, and two for two years; in the 36-40 years age group, two patients reported driving for less than three months, seven for 3-12 months, ten for 1-2 years, and four for two years. In the 41-45 years age group, one patient reported driving for less than three months, two for 3-12 months, and seven for 1-2 years, with none driving for two years; and in the 46-50 years age group, none of the subjects drove for less than three months or 3-12 months, seven drove for 1-2 years, and five drove for two years.

Discussion

In this study, a total of 63 subjects were enrolled, and the demographic characteristics reveal distinct patterns. The distribution of patients across various age brackets highlights noteworthy trends. Notably, individuals aged 36-40 years constituted the largest group, comprising 36.5% of the total population, followed closely by those aged 30-35 years, representing 26.9%. Conversely, individuals aged 41-45 and 46-50 years accounted for 15.8% and 20.6%, respectively, of the study population.

Examining the severity of arthralgia among these age groups yields valuable insights. Among patients aged 30-35 years, moderate arthralgia was predominant, with a significant number experiencing this level of pain followed by severe and mild arthralgia. Interestingly, no individuals reported experiencing very severe arthralgia in this age group. Conversely, in the 36-40 years age groups, mild arthralgia emerged as the most prevalent, with moderate and severe cases also notable. Remarkably, no instances of very severe arthralgia were reported in this cohort. Among individuals aged 41-45 years, mild arthralgia was most common, with no reports of severe or very severe cases, underscoring a potentially less severe presentation in this age group. Similarly, among those aged 46-50 years, mild arthralgia was prevalent, with moderate and severe cases also observed. Notably, no occurrences of very severe arthralgia were documented in this age category.

Further exploration into the duration of driving among these age groups unveils additional trends. Individuals aged 30-35 years predominantly had driving experiences ranging from 3-12 months, followed by durations of 1-2 years and less than three months, with a smaller subset having driven for two years. Conversely, those aged 36-40 years exhibited a higher prevalence of driving for 1-2 years, with significant representation in the 3-12 months duration category as well. Similarly, individuals aged 41-45 years primarily reported driving for 1-2 years, with fewer instances of shorter durations. Interestingly, no individuals in this age group reported driving for two years. Among individuals aged 46-50 years, the most common duration of driving was 1-2 years, followed by two years. Notably, no individuals in this age bracket reported driving for less than three months or 3-12 months.

These findings underscore the interplay between age, severity of arthralgia, and duration of driving, suggesting potential associations that warrant further investigation to elucidate underlying mechanisms and inform targeted interventions.

A few limitations of the study were that the sample size was quite small, and it may not have accounted for all potential confounding variables that could influence the relationship between age, severity of arthralgia, and duration of driving. Factors such as occupational activities, comorbidities, or lifestyle habits, which could have impacted the observed associations, were not included in the analysis.

Recommendation for further studies

Comparative Studies: Conducting comparative studies between male and female drivers, as well as across different age groups, can elucidate potential gender and age-related differences in arthralgia prevalence and severity. Understanding these differences can inform tailored interventions and preventive strategies.

Intervention Studies: Implementing intervention studies to evaluate the effectiveness of targeted interventions, such as ergonomic modifications, physical therapy, or behavioral interventions, in reducing arthralgia severity among male drivers. Intervention studies can provide evidence-based recommendations for mitigating arthralgia-related discomfort and improving occupational health outcomes.

Conclusion

In this observational study, we investigated the severity of arthralgia among male drivers aged 30-50 years using a comprehensive pain questionnaire. Our findings revealed varying degrees of arthralgia severity across different age groups, with notable trends in pain intensity, distribution, and duration of driving. Importantly, the study highlights the significant impact of arthralgia on the occupational health and well-being of male drivers in this age range.

The results underscore the need for further research and targeted interventions aimed at addressing arthralgia severity and improving the quality of life for male drivers. Despite limitations such as a small sample size and potential confounding variables, our study provides valuable insights into an understudied aspect of musculoskeletal health among male drivers. By addressing these knowledge gaps, we can develop evidence-based strategies to mitigate arthralgia-related discomfort and enhance occupational health outcomes for male drivers aged 30-50 years.

Conflict of interest

None

Acknowledgement

Gratitude is extended to all subjects who participated in this study. Appreciation is also due to Dr. Pavankumar Tawani MD (HOM) for the assistance provided during this study.