Factors Influencing Low Back Pain for Employees Working at the Shoe Manufacturing Industry- A Survey Study

Abstract

Background: Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal problem among occupational workers and may affect pain, functional ability and work performance. Employees in shoe manufacturing industries may be exposed to prolonged and repetitive work activities, awkward postures and physical demands that may contribute to low back pain.

Aim: To identify factors influencing low back pain among employees working in a shoe manufacturing industry.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among 200 employees working at Alhamd overseas shoe manufacturing industry, Ambur. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Demographic characteristics, occupational and personal factors, postural habits and history of low back pain were assessed. The Modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Barthel Index, Finger-to-Floor Test (FTFT) and FABER test were used for assessment. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 24, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: The mean Barthel Index scores were 94.35 ± 3.30 and 94.60 ± 2.90 in the two groups, respectively. The mean VAS scores were 4.71 ± 1.55 and 4.59 ± 1.49, while the mean ODI scores were 25.11 ± 5.63 and 25.87 ± 4.93, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups for the Barthel Index (p = 0.571), VAS (p = 0.579) or ODI (p = 0.313). The FTFT showed positive findings in 26% and 46% of participants, while the FABER test was positive in 39% and 36%, respectively.

Conclusion: The findings indicate the presence of low back pain and associated functional limitations among employees in the shoe manufacturing industry. The observed findings highlight the importance of considering occupational and personal factors, postural habits, pain intensity and functional disability when assessing low back pain among industrial workers.