Factor analysis of low back pain among women in sea food processing

Abstract

Women in sea food processing units were involved in pre processing, grading, cleaning, freezing and packaging and they adopted static and awkward posture which results in low back pain. The aim of the present study is to analyze the factors that contribute to low back pain among women workers. A total of 244 women workers participated in the study. Socio economic background and frequency of musculoskeletal discomforts were studied. Descriptive statistics, chi square analysis and factor analysis were carried out to identify the factors contributing to low back pain. Women were involved in peeling (48.8%), setting (26.6%) and grading (24.6%) activity. Factor analysis indicated that work environment contributed to 33%, personal factors contributed to19%, work organization contributed to 16% and socio economic factors contributed to 11% for the low back pain. Worker education and periodical health surveillance will help to minimize the risk of low back pain among the women in industrial settings.