Ergonomic Hazards of Low Back Pain among Ambulance Workers in Kelantan, Malaysia

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common occupational health problems affecting the working adult population. The study aimed to identify the ergonomic factors associated with LBP among ambulance workers in emergency departments. This cross-sectional study of 143 ambulance workers was conducted in 10 government hospitals. An English version of the questionnaire, including a Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and an LBP Risk Factor Questionnaire, was distributed to each respondent. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the results. The overall response rate was 85%. The majority of respondents who experienced LBP were aged 30 to 39 years (48.4%), male (69.9%), and of Malay ethnicity (98.5%). Handling difficult-to-grip objects (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.12; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02, 0.55; p-value: 0.007) and carrying heavy loads (adjusted OR: 17.44; 95% CI: 2.00, 151.69; p-value: 0.010) were associated with the occurrence of LBP among ambulance workers. The results highlighted the potential risks for ambulance workers in terms of carrying difficult-to-grasp and heavy loads. Hence, preventive measures, such as an ergonomic awareness programme, should be undertaken to increase awareness of proper ergonomic techniques in order to reduce the risk of LBP among ambulance workers.