A RESEARCH ON PREVALENCE OF LOW BACK PAIN DISABILITY IN MARBLE FACTORY WORKERS

WMSD's among marble factory workers are common.They are a major concern of workers, union,employers and government.Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are disorders of body structures such astendons,joints,muscles,ligaments,bones,nerves or a local blood circulation system caused or aggravated primarily bythe nature of performance of work. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of low back pain in marblefactory of Aburoad,to know the relation between low back pain and physical activity.Most work related MSDs are resulting from repeated exposures to low - or high intensity workloads over a prolongperiod of time. This indicates a strong relationship between factors within the working environment and thedevelopment of MSDs,and that these conditions result in significant reduction in productivityOBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to study and identify issues and problems of MSDs, specifically LBP.It wasbelieved that results of this study would provide a base for planning interventional programs at work place andimproving workers health.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A questionnaire was formulated with few variables which were specifically focused.A general set of subjective variables such as name, age, sex, occupation, hand dominance, hypertension, weight, BMIwere included.Few specific variables were-Nature of job,experience in years,working hours & overtime,drug addiction(alcohol, tobacco intake),routine of work (sitting/standing/walking/bending/lifting heavy loads), rest time-up to 3categories(30 minutes/45 minutes and above)MATERIALS: It included demographic identification form, modified oswestry disability index of LBP, NPRS scale,consent form,tapes,Mats etc.SETTING OF THE STUDY:Data were collected at 5 marble factories.PATIENTS:180 subjects with LBP were involved in the study after screening of approximately 328 workers.SAMPLING TECHNIQUE:Simple convenient samplingSAMPLE SIZE: Total 180 subjects of 5 factories with low back pain participated in study.SELECTION CRITERIA:The study populations were selected according to inclusion/exclusion criteria.RESULTS: There was a higher prevalence of LBP in factory workers doing more of bending and sitting activities whencompared to the standing positions. Even we found that the workers lifting more of heavy weight more than 20 kgreported of having LBP,which is in concordance to the support etal's study that the workers who had to lift the object up to25 kg or more.There were significantly associated with LBP.CONCLUSION: Work related musculoskeletal disorders in marble factory workers were common as a higherprevalence of LBP.This perception of intensified workloads,repetitive and monotonous work with limited job control andclarity might be one of the factors associated with MSDs. Further research is needed to investigate the effect of riskfactors as general health status on prevalence musculoskeletal disorders