Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Associated Risk Factors among Car Mechanics in Malacca, Malaysia

Abstract

Background: Work-related low back disorder is one the common musculoskeletal disorders that
has been concurrently associated with the work characteristic and position during work. The
working posture of car mechanics that involves high force exertion, vibration, prolonged standing
and awkward working position has directly contributed to the development of low back pain.
Although previous study has addressed on this issue, there is a paucity of information in regards
to the prevalence, risk factors of low back pain and the association between these two variables.
Thus, the current study was conducted to address this issue with following objective:
Objective:
1. To determine the prevalence and the risk factors of work-related low back pain among car
mechanics in Malacca City, Melaka, Malaysia.
2. To examine the association between low back pain and risk factors of work-related low
back pain among car mechanics in Malacca City, Melaka, Malaysia.
Materials & Methodology:
This cross-sectional study includes 120 car mechanics selected from 43 car workshops in Malacca
city by simple random sampling method. Musculoskeletal disorders and disability data was
gathered by using standardized Nordic self-report questionnaire and Oswestry disability index.
Descriptive statistics were present for all categorical variables. Chi-Square were used to determine
the association between low back pain and the related risk factors.
Results: The findings of the current study showed that 80.0% of car mechanics experienced low
back disorder in Malacca city. The risk factors such as BMI, rest time/rest period and squatting for
long period showed a significant association with low back trouble. Conclusion: The inappropriate
working posture and contributing risk factors has led to steady increase of low back pain among
car mechanics. An early education of healthy lifestyle involving exercise and good diet as well as
practice of effective ergonomics intervention should be encouraged among them in order to
prevent further injury and eliminate low back pain.