The Frequency and Risk Factors of Low Back Pain in Pharmacy Workers

Abstract

Objective: To contribute to the literature by investigating the frequency of low back pain in pharmacy worker and its relationship with personal, occupational and psychosocial risk factors affecting low back pain.Method: A total of 200 individuals (124 female , 76 male) working in pharmacies participated in this study. A questionnaire consisting of four separate sections created by the evaluator was applied. In the first part of the questionnaire; age, gender, in the second part; occupational risk factors, in the third part; psychosocial risk factors, in the fourth part; the characteristic of low back pain. Occupational life, income status, workplace satisfaction and pain level of participants was evaluated with the Visual Analogue Scale.Results: One hundred twenty-six individuals stated that they experienced low back pain. Low back pain in female was found to be 68.5% and 53.9% in male. Thirty-one people who were satisfied with their income status stated that they did not experience low back pain in 41.9%, whereas the income satisfaction of people with low back pain was 15.9%. Family history was the most effective risk factor for the presence of low back pain.Conclusion: In order to decrease the incidence rate of low back pain, necessary regulation should be made, postural alignment, regulation of working conditions and preventive rehabilitation should be expanded.