Saf Health Work.  2021 Dec;12(4):432-438. 10.1016/j.shaw.2021.06.003.

Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Associated Risk Factors among Farmers in Jeju

• Lee HJ
• Oh JH
• Yoo JR
• Ko SY
• Kang JH
• Lee SK
• Jeong W
• Seong GM
• Kang CH
• Song SW

• KMID: 2523615
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2021.06.003

Abstract

Background
We aimed to investigate the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and its associated agricultural work-related, biomechanical factors among this population.
Methods
We analyzed initial survey data from the Safety for Agricultural Injury of Farmers cohort study involving adult farmers in Jeju Island. The prevalence of LBP was calculated with associated factors.
Results
In total, 1,209 participants were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of LBP was 23.7%. Significant associations for LBP were the type of farming activity, length of farming career, prior agricultural injury within 1 year, and stress levels. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed three biomechanical factors significantly related to LBP: repetitive use of particular body parts; the inappropriate posture of the lower back and neck.
Conclusions
Some occupational, and biomechanical risk factors contribute to LBP. Therefore, postural education, injury prevention education, and psychological support will be needed to prevent LBP.

Keyword

Agriculture; Ergonomics; Farmers; Low back pain; Risk factor