Özet:

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of back pain and associated factors among metal workers. This research was carried out in 314 workers at six factories in Istanbul. The sample was chosen among metal workers N=1780 by using non-probability sampling method. Data were obtained through interview with workers, with a questionnaire developed according to literature review. Back pain was measured by the Visual Analog Scale VAS, and the functional disability by Oswestry Disability Questionnaire ODQ. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test for categorical data. Most of the participants were men 88.5% of them, 34.1% have had back pain. 81.3% of the samples suffered from back pain had mild functional disability in daily activities. There was no relationship between back pain and individual characteristics. Back pain was found to be high in 51.6% of the subjects who lifted and carried loads over four hours a day, and 42.4% of the subjects who pulled and pushed for at least three-hour duration. Mild and moderate functional disability was found in the workers of load lifting and carrying. Further research is needed to examine potential risk factors associated with back pain for similar population. It should be recommended to take precautions and make the metal workers conscious for preventing and decreasing the back injuries of them, upon the working conditions

Anahtar Kelimeler: