Relationship between simultaneous exposure to ergonomic risk factors and work-related lower back pain: a cross-sectional study based on the fourth Korean working conditions survey
10.1186/s40557-018-0269-1
- Author:
Jae Yeop KIM
1
;
Ji Su SHIN
;
Myeong Seob LIM
;
Hyeon Gyeong CHOI
;
Sung Kyeong KIM
;
Hee Tae KANG
;
Sang Baek KOH
;
Sung Soo OH
Author Information
1. Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, South Korea. oss0609@yonsei.ac.kr.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Work-related low back pain;
Ergonomic risk factors;
Simultaneous exposure;
Fourth Korean working conditions survey (KWCS)
- MeSH:
Arm;
Back Pain;
Cross-Sectional Studies;
Hand;
Lifting;
Logistic Models;
Low Back Pain;
Methods;
Posture;
Risk Factors
- From:Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
2018;30(1):58-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: It is well known that ergonomic risk factors and back pain are related. However, few studies have examined the relationship between simultaneous exposure to these risk factors and back pain in a Korean population. We aimed to investigate the relationship between simultaneous exposure to ergonomic risk factors and work-related lower back pain (LBP) based on the fourth Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS). METHOD: The fourth KWCS (2014) was used for this study. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to assess relationship between 5 ergonomic risk factors and work-related LBP. We also analyzed the relationship between simultaneous exposure to 2 risk factors and work-related LBP. RESULTS: All 5 ergonomic risk factors (fatigue-inducing and painful posture; lifting or moving people; dragging, pushing, or moving heavy objects; standing posture; and repetitive hand or arm movements) were significantly correlated with work-related LBP in the severe exposure group (adjusted odd ratios [aOR] 5.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.46–5.83; aOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.62–2.42; aOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.82–2.40; aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.60–2.01; aOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.82–2.30, respectively). When exposed to 2 risk factors simultaneously, the relationship between exposure and work-related LBP was not greater than exposure to only 1 risk factor in our study (usually exposed to ‘fatigue-inducing or painful posture’ aOR 2.17, 95% CI 2.02–2.34; high exposure to both ‘fatigue-inducing or painful posture’ and ‘dragging, pushing, or moving heavy objects’ aOR 2.00, 95% CI 1.82–2.20). CONCLUSIONS: There was a strong relationship between severe exposure to each ergonomic risk factor and work-related LBP. However, when exposed to 2 ergonomic risk factors simultaneously, the relationship between exposure and work-related LBP was not stronger than when exposed to only 1 risk factor in our study.
