Prevalence and risk factors for low back pain among oil-field workers in Minhla Township, Magway Region, Myanmar

Abstract

Low back pain is the most common health problem among oil field workers and the leading cause of disability. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess prevalence and risk factors for low back pain among oil field workers in Minhla Township, Magway Region, Myanmar. A multi-stage cluster random sampling was used to draw a sample of 280 workers. The data collection was conducted at the Nga Naung Mone small-scale oil field from April to May 2019. Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were used to examine risk factors for low back pain.

The prevalence of low back pain among workers was high (83.6%). Only 20.4% of participants had good safety practices. The significant risk factors detected by the Chi-square tests were knowledge about occupational health hazards and exposure to lifting heavy materials. However, the socio-demographic factors and other risk factors were not statistically significantly associated with low back pain. Multiple logistic regression results showed that the following factors remained significantly associated with having low back pain: knowledge about occupational health hazards and exposure to lifting heavy materials. After adjusting for other factors, workers who had fair to poor knowledge about occupational health hazards were 2.32 times more likely to have low back pain than those who had good knowledge (Adj. OR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.01 - 4.99).

Prevalence of low back pain was high among small-scale oil field workers, as well as exposure to biomechanical hazards, especially lifting heavy objects. Most of the workers had inadequate knowledge, attitude and practice. Educational programs about occupational health and safety should be provided for workers. Moreover, the owners should supply lifting tools. The Government could play an important role by putting more regulations and controls.