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Low back pain among Irish farmers
Deirdre O'Sullivan1, Caitriona Cunningham, Catherine Blake
1School of Physiotherapy and Performance Science, Health Science Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. didimcbride@gmail.com
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Low back pain (LBP) is highly prevalent in Irish farmers, with lifting identified as a key risk factor. Few farmers receive manual-handling training, indicating a need for targeted LBP prevention strategies in this sector.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Farming is recognized as a high-risk occupation for low back pain (LBP).
- Limited research has focused on LBP within the agricultural work sector.
- Understanding LBP prevalence and contributing factors in farmers is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of LBP among Irish farmers.
- To investigate farmers' beliefs and perceived risk factors associated with LBP.
- To assess health service utilization and manual-handling training awareness in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was administered to 200 farmers in Ireland.
- Data were collected via five Irish veterinary practices.
- Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and qualitative theme coding.
Main Results:
- The study achieved a 52% response rate (n=104).
- LBP prevalence was high: 74% lifetime, 54% annual, and 27% point prevalence.
- Lifting was the primary self-reported contributor to LBP, and general practitioners were the most common healthcare providers sought.
Conclusions:
- A significant prevalence of LBP exists among Irish farmers, with lifting as a major factor.
- General practitioners are the primary healthcare providers for LBP in this group.
- Low attendance at manual-handling courses suggests issues with accessibility and awareness, highlighting a need for improved LBP prevention strategies.
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