Epidemiology of Low Back Pain among Shipyard of Arab Contractors Workers in Ismailia City

Background: Low Back Pain (LBP) is the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder. It has a marked effect on the patient and on society. In shipyard industry, it often includes many risk factors of low back pain. Objectives: The present study aims at identifying the epidemiological features of the low back pain problem among shipyard workers throughdetermining the prevalence and risk factors and effect of low back pain and describing the sickness absence due to low back pain. Design: It is a cross-sectional study conducted in the Shipyard of the Arab Contractors in Ismailia City. Material and Methods: An interview structured questionnaire adapted from the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements and back examination were done to 226 blue collar workers and 226 white collar workers allocated by systematic random sample. Results: LBP prevalence in the last year was 46%. It was more prevalent in blue collar workers (50%) compared to 42% in white collar workers. Regarding risk factors of LBP, from many risk factors the significant risk factors (p-value 0.05) were the age, smoking, duration of current job, having troubles with colleagues at work, vibration, pushing, pulling or carrying heavy weights more than 5kg, lifting in an uncomfortable position, lifting with twisted trunk, heavily twisting for long periods, bending heavily with trunk, sudden unexpected movements, weight and height and BMI. Regarding sick leaves, 11.5% of blue collar workers compared to 4.2% of white collar workers suffered from LBP took sick leaves in the past year due to LBP. LBP affects 42.8% of workers performance at work. While the LBP effect on social life was among 63.5% of workers. Conclusion: A high proportion of shipyard workers experienced low back pain and several factors in the workplace posed significant relationships with LBP. LBP has an effect on performance at work and their social life.