Effect of training on knowledge, behaviors, and low back pain among marble workers: non-randomized experimental study

Workers in physically demanding industries, such as the marble sector, are highly susceptible to low back pain. This study was conducted to determine the effect of the training given to the workers in a marble factory using different methods on knowledge and behavior for protecting low back health and low back pain level of the workers.

This non-randomized experimental study with a pre-test, post-test, follow-up, and control group design was conducted with 135 workers. The data were collected with the Low Back Health Protection Information Form, Manual Handling Observation Form, Visual Analog Scale (VAS). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant in the study.

Knowledge scores increased significantly in both intervention groups, with the highest effect observed in the interactive training + printed materials group (p < 0.001, η² = 0.66). Manual handling behavior scores improved more than doubled in this group (p < 0.001, η² = 0.92). Low back pain (VAS) scores decreased significantly in both intervention groups, with a larger reduction in the interactive training group (p < 0.001, η² = 0.60).

Interactive education is more effective in protecting the back health of workers, increasing the level of knowledge and behavior, and reducing low back pain compared to the use of printed materials alone. However, the use of printed materials also had a significant effect. Proper manual handling training for workers who lift heavy loads can reduce low back pain and increase knowledge and behaviors related to low back health.