Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Associated Risk Factors among Farmers in Jeju

Abstract

BackgroundWe aimed to investigate the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and its associated agricultural work-related, biomechanical factors among this population.MethodsWe analyzed initial survey data from the Safety for Agricultural Injury of Farmers cohort study involving adult farmers in Jeju Island. The prevalence of LBP was calculated with associated factors.ResultsIn total, 1,209 participants were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of LBP was 23.7%. Significant associations for LBP were the type of farming activity, length of farming career, prior agricultural injury within 1 year, and stress levels. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed three biomechanical factors significantly related to LBP: repetitive use of particular body parts; the inappropriate posture of the lower back and neck.ConclusionsSome occupational, and biomechanical risk factors contribute to LBP. Therefore, postural education, injury prevention education, and psychological support will be needed to prevent LBP.