Work-related Low Back Pain Research Articles

The prevalence of occupational-related low back pain among working populations in sub-saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionWork-related musculoskeletal disorders represent a major public health problem, contributing significantly to the global burden of disability-adjusted life years and affecting the quality of life of all population groups. The main problem in most musculoskeletal disorders is low back pain. Therefore, our study aims to identify the overall prevalence of work-related low back pain among the working population in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsResearch published between 2010 and 2023 in English, conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa was included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Using Boolean logic operators and targeted keywords, we searched for publications on a number of electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Science Direct). The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal techniques were utilized to conduct a quality assessment of the papers and ascertain their relevance to the study. The degree of heterogeneity among the included studies, the 95% confidence interval, and the pooled prevalence were estimated using a random effects model. Sensitivity studies were carried out to determine the causes of heterogeneity and the impact of outliers.ResultsIn this study, a total of 970 articles were retrieved, and 35 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall estimated pooled prevalence of low back pain among the working population in sub-Saharan Africa was (55.05% [95% CI: 49.34, 60.76]). Based on a sub-group analysis by countries, the higher pooled prevalence of low back pain was found in Uganda at (61.48% [95% CI: 40.39, 82.57]), while the lower pooled prevalence of low back pain was in Ghana at (34.48% [95% CI: 17.96, 51.01]).ConclusionsThis systematic review and meta-analysis found that 55.05% of the included study participants experienced low back pain in the previous years. Therefore, it is recommended that policymakers incorporate and enhance strategies for the prevention and management of low back pain within the health system management guidelines of each country.

Correlation Between Work-Related Low Back Pain and Quality of Life Among Physical Therapists: A Cross-Sectional Study

Correlation Between Work-Related Low Back Pain and Quality of Life Among Physical Therapists: A Cross-Sectional Study

Hubungan Antara Stres Kerja dan Keluhan Nyeri Punggung Bawah Pekerja Las Industri Pembuatan Kapal

Low Back Pain (LBP) is a widespread health issue that profoundly impacts workers' productivity and quality of life. In addition to non-specific health effects, LBP can result in long-term disability and considerable economic losses. Globally, LBP affects 619 million individuals, with projections suggesting an increase to 843 million by 2050, particularly Low Middle Income Countries (LMICs) in Asia and Africa. The shipbuilding industry, known for its physically strenuous tasks and stringent deadlines, presents unique ergonomic challenges that can exacerbate job-related stress and precipitate the onset of LBP. This study examines Project X PT Y, a pivotal entity in Indonesia's shipbuilding sector. Utilizing a quantitative methodology and a cross-sectional research design, the study encompasses all 26 workers from the welding workshop at Project X PT Y. The analysis, conducted using the Spearman test, reveals a robust monotonic relationship between work-related stress and LBP complaints, indicating that the incidence of LBP increases concomitantly with elevated work stress.

Work-Related Fear-Avoidance Beliefs and Risk of Low-Back Pain: Prospective Cohort Study Among Healthcare Workers.

Low-back pain (LBP) is a prevalent condition among healthcare workers, negatively affecting well-being and work ability. Research has identified fear-avoidance beliefs, i.e., the belief that physical activities worsen or prolong pain, as a key psychological factor in LBP. Given the physical demands of healthcare work, understanding the link between fear-avoidance and LBP is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies. This study investigated the prospective association between fear-avoidance beliefs and risk of increased LBP intensity and duration in hospital workers. Fear-avoidance beliefs and LBP were assessed in 1933 healthcare workers from 389 departments at 19 hospitals at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Associations between baseline work-related fear-avoidance beliefs (FABW) and LBP intensity and duration at follow-up were analyzed using cumulative logistic regression, adjusting for various factors including age, sex, baseline LBP, education, seniority, patient transfers, psychosocial work environment, and lifestyle. Moderate and high FABW was associated with higher odds of increased pain intensity (OR: 1.37 [95% CI 1.09-1.73] and 1.85 [95% CI 1.18-2.88], respectively) and prolonged pain duration (OR: 1.37 [95% CI 1.05-1.78] and 2.27 [95% CI 1.50-3.44], respectively). A sensitivity analysis including only female nurses showed similar results, with the high FABW group having significantly higher odds of increased pain intensity (OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.84-4.72) and duration (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.55-4.49). Fear-avoidance beliefs increase the risk of LBP intensity and duration among healthcare workers, emphasizing the need for interventions dealing with psychological aspects of LBP.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Work-Related, Non-Specific Low Back Pain Among Physiotherapists in Ahmedabad City

Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is the major public health problem across the world. Physiotherapy professionals are more prone to work related LBP because they are linked to major physical efforts such as transfers and patient handling manoeuvres, uncomfortable or prolonged working positions, trunk flexion and rotation movements and reactions to a fall or unexpected movement by the patient. LBP is a multifactorial condition. Various factors like, personal, biomechanical, psychosocial and organisational are associated with work related LBP among physiotherapists. Methodology: A link to an online self-questionnaire was sent to physiotherapists working in Ahmedabad city since last 12 months. The various patterns of practice were compared with regard to the prevalence of LBP, the total number of days with LBP during last 12 months, and the degree of exposure to organisational, biomechanical and psychosocial risk factors. Results: The result was carried out by using Microsoft excel. Results showed that there is 95% prevalence of work-related low back pain among physiotherapists specifically, those working since last 12 months. The mean score of NPRS was 7. Conclusion: There is significant prevalence of work-related low back pain among physiotherapists in Ahmedabad city. Keywords: physiotherapists, work-related, low back pain, Ahmedabad city

The Impact of Ergonomic Technology on the Prevalence of Work-Related Low Back Pain Among Physical Therapists in the South West Bank

Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent work-related musculoskeletal disorder that significantly impacts the health and productivity of physical therapists. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of work-related low back pain (WRLBP) among physical therapists in the South West Bank of Palestine, identify the associated risk factors, and develop effective prevention and control strategies. A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing online questionnaires to collect data from 77 physical therapists working in various healthcare settings. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test were used to analyze the data, revealing that 94.8% of participants experienced LBP, with factors such as gender, daily working hours, and prolonged bad posture being significantly associated with LBP. The impact of LBP on job performance and absenteeism was substantial, with many participants reporting reduced work efficiency and frequent absences. The findings underscore the need for targeted ergonomic interventions and posture education to mitigate the high prevalence of LBP among physical therapists.

The implementation study of nurses’ work related low back pain prevention and care guideline: A quasi-experimental study

AimTo understand the implementation process and outcomes of nurses' work related low back pain (WLBP) prevention and care guideline. BackgroundWLBP is a common occupational injury for clinical nurses. We developed the first evidence-based guideline of nurses' WLBP prevention and care of its kind both at home and abroad, and it is necessary for us to explore its feasibility, appropriateness and effectiveness in practice. MethodsBased on the model of the integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services, we performed a four-phase implementation study in a tertiary hospital. The study was a non-randomized concurrent controlled trial design，and multilevel measures were examined including implementation outcomes and clinical outcomes. ResultsFor the implementation outcomes, the tailored recommendations of the guideline were found to be acceptable, appropriate, feasible, and well adopted both at the unit level and the hospital level. The clinical outcomes indicated that, compared with the control unit, nurses of the treatment unit performed better in awareness, knowledge, practice of WLBP prevention and care. ConclusionsThe implementation study supports the successful application of the guideline, which can serve as a valuable evidence-based document to improve back health of nursing personnel.

Prevalence of work-related lower back pain and psychosocial impacts in dentistry

Background: In dentistry, musculoskeletal (MSK) pain creates a significant occupational health hazard jeopardizing the efficient delivery of care to the patients. There are several factors linked to the job that contribute to the higher incidence of MSK pain among dental practitioners. Uncomfortable postures and movements, frequent and prolonged working hours, the amount of time spent with each patient are some of the work-related factors of work related lower back pain which need to be addressed to prevent the disabling effects in the long run. The study aims to evaluate the prevalence of work related lower back pain and significance of associated risk factors in Saudi Arabia. Methods: Self-administered questionnaire were distributed to 384 dental practitioners who were working in various clinics in Saudi Arabia. This survey had four sections with questions related to demographic data, clinical practice, ergonomic principles, and psychosocial impacts. Descriptive statistics including chi-square analyses and associated significance were performed. Results: The relationship between age, years of experience and back pain among dental professionals was found to be significant with back pain lasting between 1 to 7 days in 34.2% among the participants. Older individuals with more experience tend to use back braces, analgesics, and physiotherapy more often. The cumulative prevalence of back pain in the study was 42.2%, with the majority of participants working for 2-8 hours per day. Various types of back strain injuries were observed across age groups and experience levels. Psychosocial impacts like job dissatisfaction and missed workdays were more pronounced in older individuals. The type of dental work and sitting posture also influenced back pain in specific age groups with significant associations observed. Conclusions: Our study sheds light on the significant issue of MSK pain among dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing its complex nature involving physiological, ergonomic and psychosocial factors. Found high prevalence of MSK pain, especially lower back discomfort, linked to factors like sitting postures and long working hours.

Manual rolling load and low back pain among workers in Japan: a cross-sectional study.

Manual rolling of heavy objects remains in the workplace. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the United Kingdom recommends load weights of <400kg in the rolling task. However, the association of rolling weights <400kg with work-related low back pain (LBP) has not been sufficiently investigated. This study examined the effect of rolling loads weighing <400kg on LBP among Japanese workers. A web-based survey gathered information from 15 158 workers in 2022. Among them, 15 035 did not handle loads, whereas 123 handled rolling weights <400kg. Load weight was categorized into 4 groups: no-handling (0kg) and rolling weights of ≤20, 20-40, and >40kg. Multiple logistic regression analysis examined the association between the subdivided rolling weight and LBP. No significant differences in odds ratio (OR) of LBP were found for workers handling ≤40kg rolling weights compared with that for no-handling workers. However, workers handling >40kg rolling weights had a significantly greater OR of LBP than those not handling loads. Rolling weights between 40 and 400kg could place a high stress on the lower back. Implementation in Japan of the HSE recommendations regarding rolling load should be carefully considered.

Effect of occupational pushing and pulling combined with improper working posture on low back pain among workers.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of occupational pushing and pulling combined with improper working posture on work-related low back pain (LBP) among workers. A web-based survey was conducted in 2022 to collect data from 15,623 workers, who were categorized into proper and improper working posture groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between pushing and pulling loads and LBP in each group. In the proper working posture group, the odds ratios (ORs) of LBP for workers who pushed and pulled were not significantly different compared with those of no-handling workers. However, in the improper working posture group, the ORs of LBP were significantly greater among workers who pushed and pulled compared with those of no-handling workers, and this association became stronger with increasing weights. Therefore, improper working posture combined with pushing and pulling were strongly associated with LBP among workers, particularly with heavier weights.

Association between commuting time and work-related low back pain with respect to sports and leisure activities in Korean workers.

Long commuting times can induce work-related low back pain (LBP), which can be exacerbated by reduced sports and leisure activities. However, there is a lack of empirical research on commuting time and work-related LBP in Korea. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between commuting time and work-related LBP as well as the effect of sports and leisure activities on Korean workers. We utilized data from the sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey to analyze the relationship between commuting time and work-related LBP using multivariable logistic regression. The total number of included workers was 28,202. Workers without sports and leisure activities, and long commuting times (40-59, 60-79, and ≥80 min) showed significantly higher odds ratios for work-related LBP (1.29 [95% Confidence intervals=1.12-1.49], 1.42 [1.22-1.65], and 1.96 [1.68-2.28], respectively). However, in workers with sports and leisure activities, the results were significant only for commuting times of 60-79 and ≥80 min (1.41 [1.13-1.75], 1.60 [1.28-1.99], respectively). Long commuting times were associated with work-related LBP, and engagement in sports and leisure activities was found to play a role in mitigating the impact among Korean wage workers.

Comparison of ACGIH lifting threshold limit values to validated low back disorder lifting assessment methods outcomes.

Work-related low back pain (LBP) increases the workforce disability and healthcare costs. This study evaluated the LBD risk level associated with handling the ACGIH TLVs in lifting tasks corresponding to various horizontal and vertical zones. The aim of this study was to compare the low-risk ACGIH TLV to risk outcomes from various validated lifting assessment methods, including the OSU LBD Risk Model, NIOSH Lifting Equation, and LiFFT. Twenty-four subjects were recruited for this study to perform various lifting conditions. The various ergonomic assessment methods were then used to obtain the risk assessment outcomes. The selected assessment methods showed that the ACGIH-defined TLVs are associated with less than high-risk for LBD for all the assessed tasks. The findings showed a moderate agreement (Kendall's W = 0.477) among the various assessment methods risk outcomes. The highest correlation (ρ= 0.886) was observed between the NIOSH Lifting Equation and LiFFT methods risk assessment outcomes. The findings showed that ACGIH-defined TLVs possesses less than high-risk for LBD. The outcomes of the selected ergonomic assessment methods moderately agree to each other.

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Low Back Pain Among Office Workers in Saudi Arabia.

Background and objective Lowback pain (LBP) is a significant and prevalent musculoskeletal disorder associated with the workplace that impacts individuals, families, communities, healthcare systems, and companies. Although LBP prevalence and risk factors have been studied in various professional categories in Saudi Arabia, there is no data on the prevalence of LBP among office workers and related risk factors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of LBP among office workers in Saudi Arabia and identify major risk factors. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted among office workers in Saudi Arabia of both genders aged over 18 years living in five geographical regions: Central, Western, Southern, Eastern, or Northern. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among office workers using an online survey. The questionnaire comprised sociodemographic characteristics, the prevalence of work-related LBP, and work-related characteristics. Results Among 604 office workers, 51.7% were malesand 43.5% were aged between 18 and 30 years old. The prevalence of work-related LBP in this study was 59.9%. Independent risk factors for LBP include being overweight or obese, sleep disturbance, previous history of back trauma, increasing years of working in the office, changes made to workstation/work habits to reduce the risk of LBP, and frequent work stress. Protective risk factors for LBP include regular physical exercise and satisfaction with the current job. Conclusions LBP was widely prevalent among office workers in Saudi Arabia. Office workers with elevated body mass index (BMI) who had a previous history of back trauma and had sleep disturbance or work stress in the past month were at significant risk for LBP. Occupational health and safety programs are vital for building ergonomically safe working conditions, and regular physical exercise promotion could alleviate the risk of LBP at work.

Prevalence of work-related low back pain and associated risk factors among physiotherapists in Dhaka, Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

Background/Aims Low back pain is one of the most widespread public health concerns and physiotherapists frequently experience work-related low back pain. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of low back pain and the factors associated with the consequences of work-related low back pain among physiotherapists in Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2021 to January 2022 among physiotherapists working in Dhaka. A total of 212 male and female physiotherapists, aged between 22 and 40 years, participated in this study. Descriptive statistics (number and percentage) were used to express the prevalence rate and the association between pain and professional practice-related variables was measured by using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test where appropriate. Results There were more male physiotherapists (67%) than female therapists (33%). Overall, 25% of participants reported that they had low back pain before they started working as a physiotherapist, which increased to 87.3% after they had started working as a physiotherapist. The most common therapist-related risk was incorrectly using body mechanics (50.5%), working in an awkward position (50%) and repeated bending and twisting movements (49.1%). The most common patient-related risk factor was reported as dealing with a patient who was overweight (44.8%) and the most common work-related factor was reported as lack of sufficient resting time between patients (44.8%). There was a significant association between low back pain with the designation of the therapist, working hours and the number of patients treated in a day. Conclusions Work-related low back pain is prevalent among physiotherapists in Dhaka city. The pain was significantly associated with the designation of the therapist, working hours, and the number of patients treated by the therapist in a day. Preventive strategies, as well as proper patient handling techniques, should be followed while handling patients.

Underreporting of work-related low back pain among registered nurses: A mixed method study.

Identifying and addressing work-related health problems early is crucial, but workers often perceive barriers in reporting these to management. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with nurses' reporting of work-related low back pain to their managers and explored the reasons why nurses with patient handling injuries did not report them. This study is a concurrent mixed-method analysis of data from two statewide cross-sectional surveys of California registered nurses conducted in 2013 and 2016. The reporting of work-related low back pain to management (n = 288) was examined for associations with individual, occupational, and organizational factors. For qualitative analysis, the reasons for not reporting patient handling injuries were explored using open-ended responses (n = 42). Reporting was associated with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) men (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.59) compared to non-Hispanic White women; being a non-US educated nurse (AOR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.80-1.01); experiencing greater low back pain (AOR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02-1.12); missing work (AOR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.21-2.62); perceiving high physical workload (AOR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81-0.98); perceiving high people-oriented culture (AOR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.04-1.25); and perceiving high ergonomic practices (AOR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81-0.98). Identified themes on the reasons for not reporting injuries included organizational-culture attitudes toward work-related injuries and injury characteristics of musculoskeletal disorders. The findings indicate a need for management to remove structural barriers and improve organizational practices, and for a culture that promotes trust and open communication between workers and management.

“At-Job” Exercise Program versus Ergonomic Brochure on Pain and Disability in Preprimary School Teachers with Low Back Pain

Context: The incidence and prevalence of work-related low back pain (LBP) in preprimary teachers are high due to job profile. Interventions that will address this multifaceted problem are strength training, mobility, and preventive measures. These interventions should be admissible during work. Hence, the objective of this study was to compare the effect of “At-Job” exercises and ergonomic brochures on pain and disability in preprimary school teachers suffering from LBP, since both can be administered at work. Subjects and Methods: An interventional study was conducted in schools of Pune on 120 preprimary school teachers with mechanical LBP. The participants were allocated randomly to the Group A “At-Job” exercise group and the Group B ergonomic brochure group. The intervention was given for 6 weeks. Outcome measures Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were recorded at the beginning and the end of the intervention. Results: Both “At-Job” exercises and ergonomic groups demonstrated statistically significant reductions in the VAS and ODI scores (P &lt; 0.05). When a comparison was done between the groups, Group A (“At-Job” exercise) was significantly better than Group B in terms of the VAS as well as ODI (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Although both the “At-Job” exercise and ergonomic brochure groups were effective in reducing chronic LBP, the “At-Job” exercise group showed better improvement than the ergonomic brochure intervention.

Magnitude and influencing factors of work-related low back pain among high school teachers in West Arsi zone, Southwest Ethiopia: evidenced from multicentred cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the prevalence of low back pain and its associated factors among high school teachers in the West Arsi zone, Southwest Ethiopia.DesignA school-based cross-sectional study was...

Work-related risk factors and the prevalence of low back pain among low-income industrial workers in Bangladesh: results from a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesIndustrial workers are exposed to various musculoskeletal problems especially in tasks related to production. Low back pain is the main problem in most musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, our study aims to identify the prevalence of work-related low back pain and its risk factors among industrial workers in Bangladesh.Materials and methodsA sample of 384 industrial workers aged 18–55 years in Bangladesh was selected to conduct this cross-sectional study to assess low back pain prevalence and identify its risk factors. Regression analysis was performed regarding socioeconomic status and risk factor related to LBP through interviews and questionnaires.ResultsData analysis showed that the prevalence of LBP in industrial workers in Dhaka City was 238 (62%). Low back pain was associated with increasing age (odd ratio = 1.05). Other significant risks for pain in the low back were being a permanent employee (OR 3.15) and working more than 8 h (OR = 1.99). Also, LBP was associated with incorrect body mechanics use, repetitive bending, and continuous long-time sitting risk was higher than others.ConclusionThe results of this investigation highlight a high proportion of LBP and its risk factors among industrial workers in Dhaka City. Age, type of employment, working hours, use of incorrect body mechanics, repeated bending or twisting, and prolonged sitting were among the risk factors for back pain. Therefore, exercising, providing adequate training for properly maintaining body mechanics, and avoiding bad positions may be among the most powerful steps needed to avoid or prevent development of back pain.

Effect of relative weight limit set as a body weight percentage on work-related low back pain among workers.

A quarter of work-related low back pain (LBP) cases result from handling heavy loads in Japan. The maximum weight male/female workers can handle is 40%/24% of their body weight but has set a constant load weight in ISO 11228-1 and NIOSH lifting equation. The preventive effect of the relative weight limit on LBP has not been clarified. This study aimed to identify the effect of relative weight limits set as body weight percentages on LBP prevalence. Data from 21924 workers were collected via a web-based survey in 2022. The workers were categorized into three groups: group A, "no handling," group B, "handling loads up to 40%/24% or less of body weight," and group C, "handling loads over 40%/24% of body weight." Moreover, they were categorized into eight groups: no handling, 1-5 kg, 5-10 kg, 10-15 kg, 15-20 kg, 20-25 kg, 25-30 kg, and ≥30 kg. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the effects of the limits set to body weight percentages and constant load weights on LBP. In groups A, B, and C, 25.5%, 39.2%, and 47.3% of males or 16.9%, 26.4%, and 38.0% of females had LBP, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) of LBP was significantly greater in group B than in group A and even greater in group C. The OR of LBP among workers handling loads under 10 kg was not significantly different compared to no-handling workers. LBP prevalence was greater in group B than in group A but lesser than in group C. Weight limits based on body weight percentages could not eliminate the factor of handling loads. However, handling loads under 10 kg suppressed LBP. Relative weight limits set as body weight percentages were inappropriate and ineffective for preventing LBP.

The Prevalence of Mental Health Service Use in Australian Workers with Accepted Workers' Compensation Claims for Low Back Pain: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability globally and interferes with work performance and quality of life. For work-related LBP, Australian workers can receive workers' compensation and access funded healthcare to promote recovery, including mental health services, as there are strong links between chronic LBP and mental health. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of funded mental health services for workers with compensated LBP. Claims and services data from four Australian workers' compensation jurisdictions were analysed. Prevalence of accessing at least one mental health service was reported as a percentage of all claims overall and by duration of time loss, age group, sex, financial year of claim lodgement, jurisdiction, socioeconomic status and remoteness. Odds of accessing at least one service was determined using logistic regression. Almost 10% of LBP claims accessed at least one mental health service (9.7%) with prevalence increasing with time loss. Prevalence was highest in Victoria however a higher percentage of workers with LBP accessed mental health services earlier in Queensland. Odds of accessing services was highest with longest time loss duration, among females and in Queensland. Lower odds were observed in regional areas and among those aged over 56 years. Findings suggest opportunities for workers' compensation regulators and insurers to provide greater access to appropriate mental health services alongside physical treatment as standard practice, such as those in more remote locations or earlier in a claim, to improve recovery outcomes for workers with LBP.