Frequency of Work-related Low Back Pain and Disability Among Automobile Mechanics in Lahore

Abstract

Automobile mechanic work is an extensive and physically hard job. Consequently, the automobile workers suffer from ergonomic risk factors including Low Back Pain (LBP) as a major.Objective: To find out the prevalence of Low Back pain (LBP) and disability among automobile mechanics in Lahore.Methodology:The study was cross-sectional and included 180 automechanics of Lahore. Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (OLBPDQ) was used to measure the disability caused by pain. Pain was measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Data was collected from 180 auto mechanics from auto repair shops of Lahore.Results:Out of 180 individuals, 125 subjects reported LBP with average age of 30±5.3 years. 87 individuals (69.6%) were minimally disabled and 31 individuals (24.8%) experienced moderate disability, whereas only 7 individuals (5.6%) experienced severedisability in activities of daily living (ADLs).Conclusions:LBP is highly frequent among automobile mechanics. Majority of the individuals suffering from LBP had minimal disability. The rate of moderate disability was also noticeable but number of individuals with severe disability was very low. Overall, LBP disturbed the quality of life.