Abstract
M.A. (Public Health)
Background: Lower back pain (LBP) is the most commonly reported musculoskeletal and has become a worldwide public health problem among the working populations of different industries. While the Oil and Gas industry plays a significant role in the global economy and the sector is rapidly growing and providing job opportunities to many trades and professions, there is an increasing risk of work-related fatalities, injuries and diseases such as Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), especially LBP. However, literature search on LBP in the Oil & Gas industry in Oman indicated no studies had ever been conducted. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine prevalence of LBP among Oil & Gas Construction workers and to assess the risk factors associated with LBP occurrence. Methods: This cross‑sectional study used a self‑administered questionnaire to collect data on risk factors and prevalence of LBP among Oil & Gas Construction workers (n = 400) in the past 12 months. Participants were selected using simple random selection. The study was carried out in Marmul, south of Oman, Middle East. Data management and analysis were done using Epi Info™ and SPSS Ver. 26.0. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between LBP risk factors and LBP. Results: LBP prevalence was 57%. Risk factors significantly associated with LBP were cigarette smoking adjusted odds ratios (AOR) 1.78, 95% (CI 1.10 - 2.89); alcohol consumption odds ratios (OR) 1.71, 95% (CI 1.09 - 2.68); number of years in the same job, 11 – 28 years OR 1.72, 95% (CI 1.01 - 2.93); often bending AOR 3.75, 95% (CI 1.43 - 9.85); sometimes exposure to vibration AOR 2.64, 95% (CI 1.46 - 4.80); same posture for prolonged periods AOR 6.49, 95% (CI 2.61 - 16.14); and physical stress AOR 11.32, 95% (CI 4.39 - 29.21). Continuous and moderate LBP was negatively associated with age OR 0.62, 95% (CI 0.40 - 096) for continuous pain and OR 0.57, 95% (CI 0.36 - 0.90) for moderate pain. For other MSDs, age was significantly associated with right wrist pain AOR 1.66, 95% (CI 1.01- 2.72). Conclusion: LBP is prevalent among workers in the Oil & Gas construction projects in Oman. Working in the Oil & Gas industry in Oman is associated with an increased risk of LBP, in line with other studies done elsewhere. The study found that there are lifestyle and occupational factors that are significantly associated with LBP. Appropriate measures need to be taken in terms of policy, accompanied by improved lifestyle behaviours and the working environment in order to reduce the burden of LBP and other MSDs.