Low back pain among Iranian industrial workers.

Background: Most epidemiological data concerning low back pain (LBP) are from high-income countries and there is very little information about LBP in the working population in developing countries.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of LBP in Iranian industrial workers. To explore associations between LBP and physical and psychosocial factors at work, as well as lifestyle factors.

Methods: Cross-sectional study of the largest car-manufacturing group in Iran. The prevalence of LBP, work exposures and lifestyle factors were recorded using the standardized Nordic questionnaire for analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms. Demographic data and lifestyle factors (age, sex, education, weight, work experience, smoking and fitness training) were also collected.

Results: Of the 18,031 employees, 78% participated. The majority of subjects in this study population were young males (<30 years) and a small proportion was female (4%). The 1-year prevalence of self-reported LBP in this Iranian industrial population was 21% (20% males and 27% females). The prevalence rate of absence due to LBP was 5% per annum. The multiple logistic regression models indicated that the following remained risk indicators for LBP in the previous 12 months: increasing age, no regular exercise, heavy lifting, repetitive work and monotonous work.

Conclusion: LPB is a common problem in the working population even in a developing country. Age and gender as well as certain work-related physical and psychosocial factors influenced the prevalence of LBP but the differences between different categories of workers were small.