Incidence and risk factors associated with lower back pain among university office workers

This prospective cohort study investigated the incidence of lower back pain (LBP) and the risk factors for LBP among university-based office workers. Participants were 159 office workers in one Thailand university who met the inclusion criteria of the cohort group. Data were collected using a follow-up interview questionnaire and measurements of physical fitness and lighting intensity. Results showed that the incidence of LBP during 12-month follow-up was 83.0%. Physical fitness tests showed that the back, leg and hand grip strengths were significantly lower in LBP cases than in non-cases. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the risk factors associated with LBP were body mass index ≤ 25 (adjusted relative risk [RR_adj] = 3.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.27, 9.55]), poor back-pain preventive behavior (RR_adj = 3.44, 95% CI [1.08, 10.98]) and inappropriate workstation width (RR_adj = 5.72, 95% CI [1.44, 22.70]). In conclusion, most workstations (91.8%) had a lighting intensity lower than the standard requirement (400-500 lx). The results indicate the nature of hazards affecting LBP in office workers in the academic workplace. In order to prevent LBP in this group of office workers, ergonomics education and the better design of workspace, improved lighting and greater emphasis on the physical fitness of staff are needed.