Smoking is Not, But Alcohol Intake is Associated with Present LBP - A Survey of 1404 Employees in a Japanese Medical Equipment Factory

Abstract

Study Design: Observational study. Objective: Understanding the associated factors with lower back pain (LBP) and implementing effective prevention strategies are crucial. If the modifiable associated risk factors are uncovered in working generations, potential saving costs for workers’ care systems and society overall are highly anticipated. The purpose of the current cross-sectional survey is to identify a prevalence of present LBP of employed workers and to analyze modifiable risk factors associated with LBP in Japan. Methods: One thousand four hundred and four employees were enrolled. Age, gender, body height and weight, work demands, smoking, alcohol intake, depressive mood (MCS/SF-36v2 less than 35), regular exercise and so forth were ascertained by a self-administration questionnaire. Associations between Pw-LBP (LBP for the present week) and these items were statistically evaluated (P<0.05=significant). Results: The overall prevalence of Pw-LBP was 27.6%. The mean age, body weight, and BMI were significantly higher in the participants with Pw-LBP than without Pw-LBP. MCS/SF-36v2 was significantly lower in the participants with Pw-LBP than without Pw-LBP. In light and/or moderate work demands, and alcohol intake, the percentage of the participants with Pw-LBP was significantly higher than that without Pw-LBP. Alcohol intake had a statistically significant association with Pw-LBP. Conclusion: In Japanese employed workers, the prevalence of Pw-LBP was 27.6%. The findings disclosed that alcohol intake was a risk factor of Pw-LBP of employed workers in Japan.