Community Health Posting Report by Year 4 MBBS Group 4 Session 2010/2011

• Main Author: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
• Format: Research Report
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia 2012
• Online Access: http://ddms.usim.edu.my/handle/123456789/5850

Low back pain is a very common musculoskeletal disorder affecting 80% of people worldwide, and considered to be a major factor for loss of productivity. In Malaysia, the issue of musculoskeletal problems in our adult population is overwhelming with back pain being among the common complaints. In truth, our knowledge on low back pain among population in rural areas is still very limited. Therefore, the general objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and associated factors of low back pain among working-age population of Mukim Keru, Tarnpin, Negeri Sembilan. A cross sectional study was conducted to 223 working-age residents aged between 18-65 years old in Mukim Keru, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, between 22/11/10 and 13/1/11. They were universally sampled. Data collection was done using pretested, standardized, selfconstructed questionnaire, which assesses personal and sociodemographic characteristics, low back pain, body position and activity, health seeking behavior and work factor. We used a method of face-to-face interview, as well as measurement of height and weight to calculate the Body Mass Index. The prevalence of low back pain among the respondents was 56.5%, and factors that show significant association was age (p-0.019) and work @=0.01). The respondents prefer self-care method of management such as ointment application (76%) and massage (52.9%). Low back pain among the respondents were mostly characterized as dull aching (58.7%), chronic pain (53.9%), occurring during activities (59.5%). As a conclusion, low back pain is a major problem in rural area- Since age and work was proven to be associated, it is recommended that the working-age population should be equipped with basic knowledge on ergonomics to improve their condition, functioning as well as a preventive measure.