Risk Factors for Work-related Back Pain among Informal Garment Workers in Nong Rua District, Khon Kean Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional analytic study aimed to investigate risk factors related to back
pain of informal garment workers. The total number of subjects were 313 informal garment
workers from Nong Reua district, Khon Khaen province. Data were collected by using
interviews with structural questionnaires, performing the physical fitness test. Descriptive
statistics were used to describe general characteristics of the workers. Inferential statistics
which were univariate analysis, and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to
identify the risk factors. The significant risk factors were indicated by Odds ratio (OR) and
95% confidence interval (95% CI) at p-value <0.05.
Results showed that most of workers were female (88.50%), average age was
40.08 years, work experience was average of 11.34 years. The prevalence of musculoskeletal
disorders at the period of the last 7 days and 6 months were 80.51% and 87.22%, respectively.
For 7 days periods, the highest prevalence were found at position of lower back, left/right
knee, upper back and shoulders, respectively. For 6 months period, the highest prevalence
were found at position of lower back, right/left knee, left/right calves and neck,
respectively. From physical fitness test, the muscle strength were mostly at moderate level
for back strength (34.50%), leg strength (36.42 %) and grip strength (39.62 %). Workers had
work stress for 48.88%.The prevalence of back pain in the last six month periods was 60.38
% (95%CI=57.32-68.30 ). Factors associated with back pain of garment workers were the
repetitive of motion (ORadj=7.09; 95%CI=2.94-17.11; p-value<0.001), work stress (ORadj= 3.11;
95%CI=1.70-5.67; p-value<0.001),the strength of back muscle (ORadj=2.91; 95%CI=1.35-6.26;
p-value=0.006) and very warm environment at work place (ORadj=2.45; 95% CI=1.39-4.33;
p-value=0.002)
In conclusions, this study found the high prevalence of back pain among informal
garment workers and risk factors related to work-related back pain which were work
characteristics, stress, and physical health. Therefore, there should be the surveillance
program of musculoskeletal disorders among informal garment workers, and the ergonomics
training for back pain prevention.