Safety and Health at Work

Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (산업안전보건연구원)
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Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Associated Risk Factors among Farmers in Jeju

  • Lee, Hyun Jung (Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Jeju National University Hospital) ;
  • Oh, Jung-Hwan (Department of Neurology, Jeju National University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine) ;
  • Yoo, Jeong Rae (Department of Internal Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine) ;
  • Ko, Seo Young (Department of Emergency Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine) ;
  • Kang, Jeong Ho (Department of Emergency Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine) ;
  • Lee, Sung Kgun (Department of Emergency Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine) ;
  • Jeong, Wooseong (Department of Emergency Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine) ;
  • Seong, Gil Myeong (Department of Internal Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine) ;
  • Kang, Chul Hoo (Department of Neurology, Jeju National University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine) ;
  • Song, Sung Wook (Department of Emergency Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine)
  • Received : 2021.01.10
  • Accepted : 2021.06.18
  • Published : 2021.12.30
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Abstract

Background: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and its associated agricultural work-related, biomechanical factors among this population. Methods: We analyzed initial survey data from the Safety for Agricultural Injury of Farmers cohort study involving adult farmers in Jeju Island. The prevalence of LBP was calculated with associated factors. Results: In total, 1,209 participants were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of LBP was 23.7%. Significant associations for LBP were the type of farming activity, length of farming career, prior agricultural injury within 1 year, and stress levels. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed three biomechanical factors significantly related to LBP: repetitive use of particular body parts; the inappropriate posture of the lower back and neck. Conclusions: Some occupational, and biomechanical risk factors contribute to LBP. Therefore, postural education, injury prevention education, and psychological support will be needed to prevent LBP.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

We express our appreciation to all the farmers globally.

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