Prevalence and Severity of Low Back Pain in Construction Workers

Rafiq Ahmed Abdul Karim Vasiwala, Surinder Singh, Hui Yu Wong, Je Yu Su, Zhe Jia Wong, Jiun Yan Tong

Abstract

Objective: This study determined the prevalence of low back pain; the association between the severity of low back pain and the type of work involved; and the level of disability affecting daily living caused by low back pain in construction workers.

Method: 194 construction workers at MRT Seri Kembangan construction site were given 2 sets of questionnaires. The first questionnaire comprises of demographic-related questions. Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire was used to assess the level of disability in construction workers with low back pain. The data collected were analysed using SPSS version 24.0. Chi-square test or Fisher Exact test for categorical variables, and t-test for continuous variables.

Result: The study showed a 45.4% prevalence rate of low back pain in construction workers. Workers who perform more types of job are associated with milder pain disability. Most construction workers have minimal level of pain disability (48.9%), followed by moderate (28.4%) and severe disability (22.7%). This study did not show significant functional disability.

Conclusion: A low prevalence rate of low back pain and a mild level of disability were identified. Total type of work has a significant impact on the level of disability.

Keywords: Low back pain, construction worker, pain disability

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References

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