Published Paper Details:

BACKGROUND - Very few studies have evaluated the association between occupational factors and Low back pain among coal based thermal power plant engineers and workers. The epidemiological data on LBP in India-Gujarat-Jamnagar are limited. OBJECTIVE - The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of LBP in coal based thermal power plant engineers and workers of Jamnagar-Gujarat-India and to investigate the role of occupational factors. METHODOLOGY - Participants in this online cross-sectional study were engineers and workers in coal based thermal power plant at Jamnagar-Gujarat-India. The questionnaire and Oswestry disability index were sent through a social media platform. SPSS was used to analyze the data with a significant level of p<0.05 RESULT -The data of 107 power plant workers and engineers were evaluated, most participants were male (n=107, 100%), 25 to 65 years old, 57.9% no need of pain killers, 70.1% persona care is not affected, 48.6% able to lift heavy weights, 61.7% can walk any distance without extra pain, 58.9% can sit in any chair for long time, 57.9% can stand for longtime without extra pain, 75.7% can sleep well without any pain, 80.4% social life is not affected, 67.3% can travel without extra pain, 73.8% able to do home / job activities without pain, more than 60% (n=107) of engineers and workers had no disability per the Oswestry disability index. CONCLUSION - LBP was highly prevalent among coal based thermal power plant engineers and workers. LBP was associated with weight lifting, walking, prolonged sitting and standing, travelling. HR department should raise awareness of LBP among the workers and engineers and methods to improve their life styles and behaviors.