Prevalence of LBP in male factory workers of Nishat Mills limited, Sheikhupura, Pakistan

Abstract

Low back pain is common problem in factory worker. However there is a lack of evidence related to work related to LBP in factory workers in Pakistan. This study is conducted to identify the prevalence of Low back pain in factory workers and identify the need for awareness in workers about the working postures and safety measures in Nishat mills limited, Sheikhupura. A survey was conducted with sample size of 170 subjects, collected through non probability sampling technique. Nordic questionnaire (part 1) was used with addition of some questions related to research topic. Self-reported questionnaire Performa was filled. Study population included only male workers aged between 20-45 years with career duration of one or more than one year and working duration of 8 hours. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS 17.00. According to results 75 out of 170 workers reported low back trouble. The intensity of the low back ache varied from mild to severe. 21 (28%) workers reported mild category of pain, 40 (53.3%) had moderate pain and 14 (18.7%) were having severe pain. Majority (77.3%) workers felt pain for 1-7days during last 12 months. The results showed that there is statistically significant (p<0.05) association between Low back pain and type of work. The workers who do job related to Weight lifting were suffering more frequently from backache comparatively to the workers of manufacturing department. No statistically significant (p>0.05) association between Low back pain and working Posture was found. It was concluded from the study that prevalence of LBP was higher in weight lifting workers. And low back pain was also prevalent in those workers who are engaged with static work like in prolong standing; LBP founds to affect their work activity and reduces the work efficiency.