ASSESSMENT OF PERCEPTION, AETIOLOGICAL, LACIORS AND IMPLICATION OF LOW BACK PAIN AMONG PACKAGING WORKERS IN NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC, IBADAN.

Abstract

Low Back Pain (LBP) is a worldwide public health problem. It is more common during the adult years with first episode often occurring among economically active people in their twenties and thirties. Studies have shown that it is usually a common cause of morbidity and disability among well over half of the working population. The socio-economic consequences of this include loss of man-hours, absenteeism and reduced productivity. These consequences lead to huge economic losses for employers of labour including industries. Low Back Pain is one of the commonest complaints among stall-of the packaging department of the Nigerian Breweries, lbadan which often leads to absenteeism. There is dearth of information about its prevalence and about the perceptions of the ailment among this vulnerable group of workers. This study was therefore designed to document the prevalence of IMP among staff in the packaging department and to determine their knowledge. attitudes and practices regarding the health problem The study was descriptive and cross-sectional in design involving 292 workers of the packaging department. This consists of 205(70.2%) Litters of cartons of beverages, 45(15.4%) "Sighters" who verify bottles for impurities, and 42(14.3%) supervisors who have had similar working experiences before being promoted to the rank of Supervisor. A total of three FGDs were held to document the perceptions or LBP. The subjects were subsequently interviewed using pretested self-administered questionnaires, The ages of the participants ranged from 15 - 50 years with a mean of 29 years (S,D+ 7.06). Slightly more than half, 149(51%), of the subjects were married. Secondary school education topped, 164(56.2%) the list of the highest level of education obtained by them. More than half 172(58.9%). had worked less than twenty years with the brewery while 120(41.1%) had put in above twenty years. Over half, 156(53%), of the subjects have experienced LBP. Less than half 134(47%) of the subject did not report LBP. The factors listed by subjects to be associated with LBP include: stress of labour, 82(52.6%); prolonged hours of work 5(3.2%); standing for long hours at work, 7(4,5%); and excess use of drugs, 5(3.2%). Only 50(30.0%) of the subjects were able to state accurately that the job of lifting cartons was the primary cause of LBP. Other misconceptions associated with the aetiology of LBP include consumption of excess sugar. 7(4.5%). It is recommended that improved automated methods of packaging be introduced to address the major predisposing factors to LBP. Institutionalized occupational health education and counseling services are needed to address the misconceptions associated with LBP, intensive clinical interventions are recommended for the management of the medical conditions.