Prevalence and Predictors of Low Backache among Office Workers: A Cross Sectional Observational Study
Authors/Creators
- 1. Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India
- 2. Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, King George Hospital, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
- 3. Junior Resident, Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India
Description
Background: Low backache is a common complaint among office workers, potentially linked to various occu-pational and lifestyle factors. This study investigates the prevalence and predictors of low backache in this popu-lation. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with a sample of 100 office workers. Data on backache prevalence and potential predictors—such as sitting duration, ergonomic furniture availability, physical activity level, age, gender, workstation setup, stress levels and duration of employment—were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed. Results: The prevalence of low backache among participants was 48%. Prolonged sitting emerged as a signifi-cant predictor, with 82.86% of those sitting for more than 6 hours continuously reporting backache. Lack of ergonomic furniture was associated with a 60% prevalence of backache. Participants with a sedentary lifestyle reported a higher incidence (80%) compared to those with moderate (20%) and high (10%) activity levels. Age-wise, the highest prevalence was observed in the 51+ years group (73.33%). Gender-wise, females reported a higher incidence (60%) than males (40%). Participants using standard workstation setups had higher backache prevalence (60%) compared to those with standing desks (20%). High stress levels were associated with an 80% prevalence of backache. Employees with over 10 years of service reported 70% prevalence, which was higher than those with shorter employment durations. Conclusion: The study highlights the significant impact of occupational and lifestyle factors on the prevalence of low backache among office workers. Key predictors include prolonged sitting, lack of ergonomic furniture, low physical activity, older age, female gender, standard workstation setups, high stress levels, and longer dura-tion of employment.
Abstract (English)
Background: Low backache is a common complaint among office workers, potentially linked to various occu-pational and lifestyle factors. This study investigates the prevalence and predictors of low backache in this popu-lation. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with a sample of 100 office workers. Data on backache prevalence and potential predictors—such as sitting duration, ergonomic furniture availability, physical activity level, age, gender, workstation setup, stress levels and duration of employment—were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed. Results: The prevalence of low backache among participants was 48%. Prolonged sitting emerged as a signifi-cant predictor, with 82.86% of those sitting for more than 6 hours continuously reporting backache. Lack of ergonomic furniture was associated with a 60% prevalence of backache. Participants with a sedentary lifestyle reported a higher incidence (80%) compared to those with moderate (20%) and high (10%) activity levels. Age-wise, the highest prevalence was observed in the 51+ years group (73.33%). Gender-wise, females reported a higher incidence (60%) than males (40%). Participants using standard workstation setups had higher backache prevalence (60%) compared to those with standing desks (20%). High stress levels were associated with an 80% prevalence of backache. Employees with over 10 years of service reported 70% prevalence, which was higher than those with shorter employment durations. Conclusion: The study highlights the significant impact of occupational and lifestyle factors on the prevalence of low backache among office workers. Key predictors include prolonged sitting, lack of ergonomic furniture, low physical activity, older age, female gender, standard workstation setups, high stress levels, and longer dura-tion of employment.
Files
IJPCR,Vol16,Issue1,Article209.pdf
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Additional details
Dates
- Accepted
-
2024-01-14
Software
- Repository URL
- https://impactfactor.org/PDF/IJPCR/16/IJPCR,Vol16,Issue1,Article209.pdf
- Development Status
- Active
References
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