Work-related Low Back Pain Research Articles

Relationship between job rotation and work-related low back pain: a cross-sectional study using data from the fifth Korean working conditions survey.

BackgroundJob rotation was introduced in various industries as a strategic form of work for improving workers' job skills and health management. This study aims to examine the relationship between job rotation and work-related low back pain (LBP), one of the typical work-related musculoskeletal symptoms of Korean workers.MethodsWe conducted this study using the data of the 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS). As the subject of this study, 27,163 wage workers were selected, and classified into three groups according to occupational type (white-collar, service and sales, and blue-collar). In this study, job rotation means to change the work-related activities with other colleagues periodically and work-related LBP was defined as whether there was work-related LBP in the last 12 months. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between job rotation and work-related LBP.ResultsOut of 27,163 workers, 2,421 (8.9%) answered that they had job rotation and 2,281 (8.4%) answered that they experienced work-related LBP. According to the results from logistic regression, job rotation was significantly associated with low prevalence of work-related LBP among blue-collar workers (odds ratio [OR]: 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58–0.88), whereas no significant relationship was observed among white-collar, service and sales groups. In addition, the negative association between job rotation and work-related LBP among blue-collar workers was more pronounced when exposed to ergonomic risk factors (uncomfortable posture OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.64–0.98; heavy work OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.57–0.96; repetitive work OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.60–0.92).ConclusionsJob rotation was associated with low prevalence of work-related LBP among workers in the blue-collar occupational group in Korea. It is necessary to evaluate the effect of job rotation by occupational type and introduce an appropriate method of job rotation to reduce workers' work-related musculoskeletal symptoms.

The Effect of Kinesio Taping on Pain Pressure Threshold in Work Related Low Back Pain for Computer Professionals

Background/aim: In many countries low back pain is a long-term disability, where 90% of people suffer from it at some point of time. Low back pain has high prevalence rate and incidence of low back problems leads to disability, sickness further leads to sickness absenteeism, early retirement and lost working days. Computer work has generated a new genre of occupational health problems, i.e., of computer-related musculoskeletal disorder. Work related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) are damages caused to joint, muscle, tendon and ligament due to repeated strain given to the structure lead to musculoskeletal pain and discomfort and most common joint affected are neck, lower back, shoulder, elbow and wrist. Musculoskeletal discomfort can occur anywhere in the body and typically are not caused by a single traumatic event, but is due to micro trauma to tissues that does not heal during rest. Postural back pain is a major public and occupational health problem, especially in the information technology (IT) and BPO sectors. Various intervention strategy used to treat chronic back pain such as physical agents, exercise and back school program. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Kinesio taping compared with rigid taping along with TENS and back exercise program on pain pressure threshold for subjects with work related low back pain in computer professionals. Methods and Materials: 112 subjects satisfied the inclusion criteria had been selected from among the eligible participants of 196 subjects works in medium and large-scale IT industry reported with lower back pain for more than three months. Subjects were divided randomly in to two group and intervened by kinesio taping or rigid taping with common protocol of TENS and back exercise program. Pain pressure threshold was measured before and after treatment, compared the mean difference by ANOVA to find out the effect of intervention Results: The data were analyzed by SPSS version 20.0 using descriptive statistics such as normality test, mean standard deviation and graphs and charts. Inferential statistics such as ANOVA. Both the groups improved in pain pressure threshold and kinesio taping group was better in improving pain pressure threshold with high statistical significance of P ≤ 0.05. Conclusion: kinesio taping compared with rigid taping along with TENS and core stability exercise found Kinesio tape is better than rigid tape in all parameters with the significance of p ≤ 0.05 except quadratus lumborum left and L2-L3 level were the significance was P=0.078 and P=0.152 respectively.

A Diagnostic Assistant Tool for Work-Related Low Back Pain in Hospital Workers.

Aims:The study objective was to develop a clinical risk score to assist occupational medicine physicians in diagnosing hospital workers’ occupational lower back pain (LBP).Settings and Design:A cross-sectional data collection design was conducted at Saraburi Hospital, Thailand.Methods and Materials:The sample consisted of 220 hospital workers who cared for patients and had LBP. They were assessed for the frequency of targeted activities (CPR, lifting, transferring patients) and other activities from work as well as ergonomic assessments, and diagnosed with LBP by three occupational medicine physicians.Statistical Analysis Used:Predicted factors of multivariable logistic regression were analysed to find clinical risk scores to help the diagnosis.Results:The physicians agreed on the diagnosis, based on ergonomic risk factors and their experiences that 86 persons have occupational LBP. A diagnostic assistant tool consists of six predictors: the duration of LBP, having LBP within the last 7 days, bending, twisting, lateral bending, and reaching. The scores predicted occupational LBP correctly with an AuROC of 90.0% (95% CI; 84.8–93.5%). The positive likelihood ratio for occupational LBP was 0 in the low risk category (<6 points) and 16.8 (95% CI; 8.0–35.6) in the high risk (>8 points).Conclusions:A diagnostic assistant tool is used to assist occupational medicine physicians in diagnosing hospital workers' occupational LBP.

Pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia and fear-avoidance in non-specific work-related low-back pain as predictors of sickness absence.

The influence of pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia and fear-avoidance attitudes towards non-specific low-back pain has been scarcely studied in an occupational insurance provider context. The objective of this work is to ascertain the relationship between these psychosocial variables with work absence, its duration and the disability of subjects with work-related low back pain. This is a descriptive observational methodological strategy. All patients with work-related non-specific low back pain who attended to an occupational health hospital during the study period were included consecutively. Clinical variables of kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, fear-avoidance attitudes, disability and pain were collected; sociodemographic variables of sex, age, type of work, educational level, occupational status and duration in days of work absence were recorded. Kinesiophobia (b = 1.43, P = 0.011, r = 0.333), fear-avoidance beliefs in its global dimension (b = 0.910, P = 0.014, r = 0.321), fear-avoidance beliefs in its work dimension (b = 1.255, P = 0.016, r = 0.321) and pain catastrophizing (b = 0.997, P = 0.013, r = 0.340) show individual association with the duration of sickness absence. Kinesiophobia (b = 0.821, P = 0.011, r = 0.30) and fear-avoidance beliefs (b = 1.760, P = 0.016, r = 0.28) are associated with disability (Kinesiophobia, b = 0.880, P = 0.045, r = 0.26; Fear-avoidance beliefs, b = 0.724, P = 0.010, r = 0.34). Kinesiophobia, fear-avoidance beliefs and pain catastrophizing are related to an increase in the duration of work absence and disability in patients with back pain in an occupational insurance provider context.

Challenges in Data Linkage – Experiences from An Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Data Linkage Study

IntroductionNearly one quarter of a million Australian workers experience a work injury annually and make a benefit claim through one of the nation’s eleven workers’ compensation (WC) systems. The total cost to Australian society has most recently been estimated at $61.8 billion or 4.1% of GDP. The disaggregation of legislative responsibility between jurisdictions has contributed to a lack of common data standards, and thus minimal understanding of the efficiency or effectiveness of service provision in the Australian WC sector.&#x0D; Objectives and ApproachThis project developed a new multi-jurisdictional work disability database including detailed information on work disability duration, health and social care service provision. Service level payment data contained in structured WC insurance claims datasets held by five large WC jurisdictions with &gt;60% coverage of the Australian labour force was collected for all cases of work-related low back pain, fractures and limb soft tissue disease over between 2010 and 2015. Database development involved creation and coding of harmonised service-level indicators for individual episodes of healthcare provision and weekly periods of wage replacement.&#x0D; ResultsA total of 253,000 cases and 10.7 million service episodes are included in the database. Initial exploratory analyses focused on the frequency, prevalence, timing, intensity and continuity of General Practitioner (GP) services to each of the injury groups. Regression modelling examined occupational, injury, demographic and jurisdictional factors affecting GP service use outcomes. As anticipated, service patterns varied by injury type, age, gender and occupational group. Significant differences in service use between WC jurisdictions were observed.&#x0D; Conclusion / ImplicationsThis exploratory study demonstrates the feasibility of developing a population-based service level database for monitoring health service delivery to injured Australian workers. Future studies will examine the impact of jurisdictional policy differences on service delivery, and the relationship between service delivery and outcomes such as disability duration.

Development and Initial Validation of a Harmonised Multi-Jurisdiction Work Injury Compensation Database

IntroductionNearly one quarter of a million Australian workers experience a work injury annually and make a benefit claim through one of the nation’s eleven workers’ compensation (WC) systems. The total cost to Australian society has most recently been estimated at $61.8 billion or 4.1% of GDP. The disaggregation of legislative responsibility between jurisdictions has contributed to a lack of common data standards, and thus minimal understanding of the efficiency or effectiveness of service provision in the Australian WC sector.&#x0D; Objectives and ApproachThis project developed a new multi-jurisdictional work disability database including detailed information on work disability duration, health and social care service provision. Service level payment data contained in structured WC insurance claims datasets held by five large WC jurisdictions with &gt;60% coverage of the Australian labour force was collected for all cases of work-related low back pain, fractures and limb soft tissue disease over between 2010 and 2015. Database development involved creation and coding of harmonised service-level indicators for individual episodes of healthcare provision and weekly periods of wage replacement.&#x0D; ResultsA total of 253,000 cases and 10.7 million service episodes are included in the database. Initial exploratory analyses focused on the frequency, prevalence, timing, intensity and continuity of General Practitioner (GP) services to each of the injury groups. Regression modelling examined occupational, injury, demographic and jurisdictional factors affecting GP service use outcomes. As anticipated, service patterns varied by injury type, age, gender and occupational group. Significant differences in service use between WC jurisdictions were observed.&#x0D; Conclusion / ImplicationsThis exploratory study demonstrates the feasibility of developing a population-based service level database for monitoring health service delivery to injured Australian workers. Future studies will examine the impact of jurisdictional policy differences on service delivery, and the relationship between service delivery and outcomes such as disability duration.

Relationship between Computer Vision Estimated Trunk Kinematics and Work-Related Low-Back Pain

Relationship between Computer Vision Estimated Trunk Kinematics and Work-Related Low-Back Pain

Diagnosing low back pain in an evidence-based way: How accurate are we?

Back pain is the leading cause of disability globally with 818,000 disability-adjusted life 51 years estimated to be lost annually due to work-related Low Back Pain (LBP) [1].

Effectiveness of Ergonomic Training Program on Knowledge, Self-efficacy and Practice on Prevention of Work Related low Back Pain among Staff Nurses

Background: Low back pain is a major occupational problem among health care workers. Body mechanicsand Ergonomic programs can prevent low back pain amongs them. The aim of the study was to assess andcompare knowledge, self-efficacy and practice on prevention of work related low back pain among staffnurses before and after administration of Ergonomic Training Program in experimental and comparisongroup.Methods: A Quasi Experimental Non Equivalent Control Group Pre-test and Post-test Design was used.Eighty staff nurses from MMIMS&amp;R Hospital, Mullana were selected by convenience sampling technique.Ergonomic Training Program was administered in experimental group for two days. Standardised Nordicquestionnaire for low back pain, Pain assessment scale, structured knowledge questionnaire, structured selfefficacy scale and structured observational checklist were used to collect data.Results: The study showed that there was a significant difference in the mean post-test knowledge (p=0.001)and practice (p=0.001) scores of staff nurses in experimental and comparison group. There was a significantdifference between the mean pre-test and post-test knowledge (p=0.001), self-efficacy (p=0.047) and practicescores (p=0.0001) in experimental group.Conclusion: Ergonomic Training Program was effective in improving the knowledge, self-efficacy andpractice on prevention of work related low back pain among staff nurses.

Work related low back pain, psychosocial, physical and individual risk factors among nurses in emergency care unit

Work-related Low back Pain (WR-LBP) represents an important impact on the health and economic burden of workers worldwide. The wide range of risk factors have been evaluated on nurses, however, there is limited understanding of the contributions of an individual, physical and psychosocial factors with work-related low back pain among nurses in Emergency Care Unit (ECU). The aim of this study was to understand the potential risk factors of WR-LBP among ECU nurses. This was a cross-sectional survey of healthcare workers in ECU at seven Hospitals in Manado. Questionnaires were distributed to assess the demographics, individual lifestyle and physical job characteristics, psychosocial, and self-reported low back pain. The associations between risk factors and WR-LBP were determined using multivariate logistic analysis. In total, 162 nurses in ECU participated in this research (81% response rate). A high proportion of nurses (92%) had experienced Work related - Musculoskeletal Disorder (WR-MSD) in the last 12 months, and 77% reported had experienced WR-LBP within the previous 12 months. WR-LBP was associated with older age (p=0.001), being government officers (p=0.002), more than 5 years of employment status (p=0.002), has additional work (p=0.05), psychosocial effort (p=0.003), the total score of awkward position (0.000). Most of the work awkward positions measured in this study. The multivariate analysis confirmed that age (OR=1.14, 95%CI 1.05-1.23), psychosocial effort (OR=1.493, 95%CI 1.08-2.07), and awkward position total score (OR=1.13, 95%CI 1.07-1.19) were significantly associated with WR-LBP. This study revealed that individual, physical and psychosocial risk factors were important for work-related low back pain among nurses in ECU, especially the physical effort. It is suggested to increase attention to nurses' health and safety, in ECU. The physical load factors should be addressed when designing a prevention method for nurses in ECU.

Psychosocial Factors and Low Back Pain Outcomes in a Pooled Analysis of Low Back Pain Studies.

Assessment of possible relationships between work-related psychosocial measures and self-reported low back pain (LBP) outcomes in a large pooled dataset of 1929 participants from 82 facilities in the United States. Pooled data from three prospective cohort studies were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for relationships between psychosocial factors and the LBP outcomes. Personal and occupational confounders were controlled for in adjusted Logistic regression models. Supervisor support and job satisfaction were significantly (P < 0.05) related to all three LBP outcomes. Other psychosocial factors were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with at least one of the LBP outcomes. Adjusted ORs ranged from approximately 1.50 to 3.50 for most associations. There is a significant relationship between work-related psychosocial measures and LBP outcomes.

Low back pain among healthcare personnel in Saudi Arabia: A systematic review

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a complex condition with several determinants contributing to its occurrence. LBP is defined as pain that persists for 12 weeks or longer. The prevalence of work-related LBP among health-care personnel in Saudi Arabia affects both the healthcare personnel and the quality of patient care. Aim: The aim of this study was to review the epidemiology of LBP among the healthcare personnel in Saudi Arabia and wellness programs aimed at decreasing the rate of LBP. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using relevant keywords to search for studies conducted in Saudi Arabia regarding LBP among healthcare personnel. After selecting the inclusion criteria and epidemiological measures of LBP for the current research as well as obtaining full texts for the study, a total of 13 articles were used. Results: Thirteen studies were included in the current systematic review. Nurses and dentists were among the most vulnerable groups, constantly experiencing LBP due to long working hours, standing, as well as stress. Physical and occupational therapists and surgeons were experiencing LBP and generalized myalgia due to the work stress caused by the overcommitment at work and a high number of treated patients. Emergency medical services personnel reported a very high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. Based on the results of the reviewed studies, most of the participants experienced the prevalence of the LBP within the last 12 months. Conclusion: LBP has multifactorial risks, etiology, and increased evidence and prevalence among healthcare personnel in Saudi Arabia. The results show that there is good reason to conduct an in-depth study of available best practice interventions aimed at preventing LBP among healthcare personnel. Future studies in Saudi Arabia should focus on creating workplace wellness programs and on assessing risk factors as well as preventing LBP.

Low Back Pain (LBP), work and absenteeism.

Occupational physical demands are commonly assumed the cause of work-related Low Back Pain (LBP) and absenteeism. To analyse relationships between LBP at work, physical demands and absenteeism. Workers filled out a questionnaire on socio-demographic and work-related factors, general health, LBP (number of episodes in a 12-month period, pain severity and intensity), and occupational hazards related with physical demands. 735 workers completed the questionnaire (male n = 359). A high proportion of workers n = 507 (69%), from different occupational backgrounds, reported at least one LBP episode in the previous 12-month period. The highest ratio of subjects with more than 6 episodes of LBP per year was found among public services employees (31.8%) and the lowest ratio among administrative workers (10.3%). The highest ratio of workers (39%) were classified as sedentary workers, 34% of workers having a low or moderate level of physical demands in their work, and 27% reported high levels of physical demands in their work. There was a 4 % absenteeism rate in a 12-month period, which was significantly higher in the group with physically demanding work. Those subjects with higher physical requirements at work have increased odds of having more than 3 episodes of LBP during the previous year (p < 0.05) in comparison with subjects with more sedentary jobs and those with low or moderate physical demands. High intensity work, compared to sedentary work, is associated with an increased probability of being absent of work because of LBP in a previous 12-month period (OR = 3.12; CI 1.23-7.89; p = 0.016). Our findings suggest there is an association between highly physically demanding jobs, LBP and absenteeism. These results may contribute to the improvement of LBP assessment and prevention programs in Occupational Health Services.

Successful Use of the Hybrid Assistive Limb for Care Support to Reduce Lumbar Load in a Simulated Patient Transfer.

Study DesignProspective experimental study in humans.PurposeTo determine whether the hybrid assistive limb (HAL) for Care Support can reduce lumbar load during a patient transfer.Overview of LiteratureThe prevalence of work-related low back pain (LBP) among nurses is high. In particular, transferring patients poses a high risk for LBP due to the large lumbar load. Attempts to reduce the lumbar load are crucial to avoid the risk of LBP. Therefore, we investigated the effects of the HAL for Care Support.MethodsNineteen volunteers (16 men, three women) lifted a 60-kg doll from a seated position to a standing position. The first transfer was performed without the HAL for Care Support, and the second was performed with the HAL for Care Support assistive robot. We evaluated transfer performance, the visual analog scale (VAS) score for lumbar fatigue, and electromyogram analyses of the trunk and hip.ResultsFour participants (two men, two women) succeeded with the HAL for Care Support even though they were unable to perform the task without it. The mean lumbar fatigue VAS score for all participants without the HAL for Care Support was 62 mm, while that with it was 43 mm. With lumbar assistance from the HAL for Care Support, subjective lumbar fatigue during the transfer decreased significantly. A power analysis indicated adequate statistical power to detect a difference in the VAS score for lumbar fatigue (0.99). The activity of the left gluteus maximus alone increased significantly during transfers with the HAL for Care Support. No adverse events occurred during use of the HAL for Care Support for transfers.ConclusionsThe HAL for Care Support was able to reduce lumbar load in a simulated patient transfer.

Selecting the appropriate input variables in a regression approach to estimate actively generated muscle moments around L5/S1 for exoskeleton control

Back support exoskeletons are designed to prevent work-related low-back pain by reducing mechanical loading. For actuated exoskeletons, support based on moments actively produced by the trunk muscles appears a viable approach. The moment can be estimated by a biomechanical model. However, one of the main challenges here is the feasibility of recording the required input variables (kinematics, EMG data, ground reaction forces) to run the model. The aim of this study was to evaluate how accurate different selections of input variables can estimate actively generated moments around L5/S1. Different multivariate regression analyses were performed using a dataset consisting of spinal load, body kinematics and trunk muscle activation levels during different lifting conditions with and without an exoskeleton. The accuracy of the resulting models depended on the number and type of input variables and the regression model order. The current study suggests that third-order polynomial regression of EMG signals of one or two bilateral back muscle pairs together with exoskeleton trunk and hip angle suffices to accurately estimate the actively generated muscle moment around L5/S1, and thereby design a proper control system for back support exoskeletons.

Current issues associated with work-related lower back pain among care workers and usefulness of preventive education using Behavior Analysis

Current issues associated with work-related lower back pain among care workers and usefulness of preventive education using Behavior Analysis

Real-time feedback to reduce low-back load in lifting and lowering

Low-back pain (LBP) is a common health problem. Literature indicates an exposure-response relation between work-related lifting and LBP. Therefore, this study investigated effects of three kinds of real-time feedback on low-back load, quantified as lumbar moments, during lifting. We recruited 97 healthy male and female participants without a recent history of LBP and without prior biomechanical knowledge on lifting. Participants were assigned to groups based on the time of enrollment, filling the four groups in the following order: moment feedback, trunk inclination angle feedback, lumbar flexion feedback, and a control group not receiving feedback. Feedback was given by a sound when a threshold level of the input variable was exceeded. Participants were unaware of the input variable for the feedback, but were instructed to try to avoid the audio feedback by changing their lifting strategy. The groups with feedback were able to reduce the audio feedback and thus changed the input variable towards a more desired level. Lumbar moments significantly decreased over trials in the inclination and moment feedback groups, remained similar in the lumbar flexion group and increased in the control group. Between group comparisons revealed that low-back load was significantly lower in the moment and inclination groups compared to the control group. Additionally, moments were lower in the inclination group than in the lumbar flexion group. Real-time feedback on moments or trunk inclination is a promising tool to reduce low-back load during lifting and lowering.

Thoracic Kyphosis Angle in Relation to Low Back Pain among Dentists in Iran.

BACKGROUND:Non-specific low back pain (LBP) has a direct impact on the quality of life, active days at work and health care costs.AIM:This study was conducted to determine the relationship between LBP and thoracic kyphosis angle among dentists.MATERIAL AND METHODS:This cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical study carried out in the form of census among 84 dentists employed in a specialised clinic in Iran. Dentists LBP prevalence and intensity and thoracic kyphosis angle were evaluated respectively with the self-administered body map questionnaire, visual analogue scale and flexicurve ruler. Statistical data analysis was done using SPSS software, version 22.RESULTS:The data showed that the prevalence of LBP in dentists was 44.9% and intensity of LBP was reported about 71.9 ± 19.34. Pearson correlation coefficient between thoracic kyphosis angle and dentist’s characteristics was not significant except for work experience. The single linear regression model showed that 1.3% of thoracic kyphosis angle changes was positively dependent on LBP. Also, the present study proved that thoracic kyphosis angle changes were positively dependent to 2.6%, 10.8% and 5.7 percent of age, work experience and Body Mass Index (BMI), respectively.CONCLUSION:Despite the lack of significant statistical relation between LBP and thoracic kyphosis angle, there is a high prevalence and intensity of LBP among Dentists. To reduce the risk of work-related LBP among dentists, managing factors such as BMI, work postures and exercises during work should be taken into consideration.

The magnitude and factors associated with work-related back and lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders among barbers in Gondar town, northwest Ethiopia, 2017: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundWork-related back and lower extremity disorders often present remarkable health and economic burdens on societies. Occupational barbers are usually neglected in research and policy actions, mainly in developing countries, and are hence more vulnerable to the conditions. So far, information about the factors influencing back and lower extremity disorders among barbers in Ethiopia is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors affecting back and lower extremity disorders among barbers in Gondar town, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2017. A sample of 434 barbers recruited using the systematic random sampling technique. A pre-tested standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire was interviewer-administered for data collection. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20. The significance of associations was evaluated at ≤0.05 p-value with a 95% confidence intervals (CI) and adjusted odds ratios (AOR).ResultsThe response rate was 98.8% (N = 429). The mean age and mean length of employment were 26.38 (standard deviations (SD) ± 4.78) and 4.91 years, respectively. The prevalence of work-related low back pain in the previous 12 months and in the last 7 days was 55.7% (N = 239) [95% CI (51.0, 60.4)] and 32.6% (N = 140), respectively. About 40.6% (n = 97) of the participants with back pains indicated their activities were limited. The prevalence of knee/leg and ankle pain was 39.4% (N = 169) and 25.6% (N = 110), respectively. Out of the participants, 17% (n = 41) sought treatment services. Less than half, 40.6% (n = 97) said they perceived high disability, while 38.1% (n = 91) explained their pain was intense (severe). Age [AOR: 2.001; 95% CI (1.174, 4.346)], alcohol use [AOR: 2.283; 95% CI (1.376, 3.789)], lack of safety training [AOR: 0.110; 95% CI (0.032, 0.271], working posture [AOR: 0.142; 95% CI (0.045, 0.215)], and length of employment [AOR: 1.650.132; 95% CI (1.107, 2.140] were significantly associated factors.ConclusionsBack and lower extremity musculoskeletal pain and disability were found to be prevalent among Ethiopian barbers and to be associated with age, alcohol use, safety training, work postures, and length of employment. We believe that programs for management of musculoskeletal disorders need to address these factors.

Impacts of Adherence to Evidence-Based Medicine Guidelines for the Management of Acute Low Back Pain on Costs of Worker's Compensation Claims.

American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine's (ACOEM's) evidence-based guidelines for acute low back pain (LBP) were used to assess relationships between guideline adherence and worker's compensation costs. Treatments at first appointments were abstracted. Two scoring tools were utilized to assess each patient's treatment plan. One score assessed ACOEM Guideline compliance while the second utilized mean expert scores of the perceived value of each treatment. Claim costs were log-transformed and compared with scores. There is a significant trend between increased compliance and decreasing costs. Medical and total costs trended lower by an average $352.90 and $586.20 per unit of compliance score respectively. No outlier cost claims were in the best guidelines compliance groups. This study shows a statistically significant trend in the relationship between adherence to ACOEM guidelines for initial management of work-related LBP and decreasing claim costs.