ABSTRACT
The objective was to determine the association between the prevalence of lower back problems (LBP), fear-avoidance beliefs and pain coping strategies using an analytical cross-sectional epidemiological study among a group of 366 workers in a South African stainless steel industry. Outcome (LBP) was defined using a questionnaire and a functional rating index. Exposure to psychosocial risk was determined using the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs (FABQ) and Coping Strategies (CSQ) questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression analyses for LBP indicated the following significant risk factors: work-related fear-avoidance beliefs (OR 3.40; 95% CI 2.20-5.25), catastrophizing (1.31; 1.01-1.7) and pain coping self statements (1.47; 1.16-1.87). Significant protective associations were found for increased activity levels (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.42-0.78). These findings have utility in preventative screening procedures to identify workers with such beliefs and coping strategies who are at risk for prolonged work restrictions.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Avoidance Learning , Fear , Low Back Pain/psychology , Metallurgy , Occupational Diseases/psychology , Adult , Female , Humans , Low Back Pain/epidemiology , Male , Occupational Diseases/epidemiology , Prevalence , South Africa , SteelABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The etiology of work-related back disorders is often population specific. The objective of this study was to identify and establish the association of occupational risk factors with the prevalence of low back (LB) problems in a semi-automated South African Steel industry. METHODS: The design entailed an analytical cross-sectional epidemiological study among a group of 366 steel plant workers. Outcome of LB problems was defined using a guided questionnaire and a functional rating index. Exposure to occupational risk factors was determined using self-reported questionnaires. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated significant adjusted odds ratios (OR) for twisting and bending (OR 2.81; CI 1.02-7.73); bulky manual handling (5.58; 1.16-26.71); load carriage (7.20; 1.60-32.37); prolonged sitting (2.33; 1.01-5.37); kneeling and squatting (4.62; 1.28-16.60); and working on slippery and uneven surfaces (3.63; 1.20-10.90). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the current view of a multifactorial etiology in idiopathic LB problems, and emphasizes the importance of multiple intervention strategies in industrial settings.
