Work-related factors of low back pain among Indonesian manufacturing workers in Taiwan

The manufacturing industry, one of the largest employers of migrant workers in Taiwan, reports a high incidence of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly low back pain (LBP), among its workforce overall. Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of LBP among Indonesian migrant workers, who make up a substantial portion of this workforce, is essential for developing effective preventive programs.

This cross-sectional study surveyed Indonesian migrant workers in the manufacturing sector. The Indonesian version of the Oswestry Disability Index was used to assess LBP prevalence and disability levels. The chi-square test was used to evaluate the association between work-related factors and LBP outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the independent factors associated with LBP, adjusted for other variables.

According to the LBP disability index, 63.14% of the participants had minimal disability, 29.80% had moderate disability, and 7.05% had severe disability. Mild trunk flexion was associated with a lower risk of LBP disability compared with neutral trunk flexion (odds ratio [OR] [95% CI]: 0.11 [0.03-0.31], p = 0.01). Among women, lifting <25 kg was associated with a lower risk of severe LBP compared with lifting more than 25 kg (OR [95% CI]: 0.01 [0.01-0.61], p = 0.03). In men, whole-body vibration was associated with a lower risk of severe LBP compared with no vibration exposure (OR [95% CI]: 0.41 [0.19-0.88], p = 0.02).

Trunk flexion, lifting, and whole-body vibration consistently emerged as significant determinants of LBP disability. More detailed assessments of these factors are necessary to clarify their associations.