Abstract
Background
Farming is regarded as a high-risk work sector for LBP.
Purpose
To establish prevalence, risk factors and consequences of LBP among Irish farmers.
Methods
A questionnaire survey, using quota sampling, to achieve 100 farmers from each of the six main farm enterprise systems (n=600) namely dairy, dairy and other, cattle rearing, cattle other, mainly sheep and arable. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi square tests.
Results
Lifetime, annual and point prevalence of LBP were 46% (n=277), 24% (n=146) and 13% (n=78), respectively. Of those with a lifetime history of LBP, 35% attributed their LBP to a specific farm injury and 36% to repeated activities. Lifting was reported as the primary causal factor in over 50% of cases. Prevalence of LBP was significantly higher among farmers with less than 20 hectares or more than 50 hectares of land(p<0.05). Farm hours worked, farm enterprise, age, employment status, off-farm work, gender or attendance of manual handling and lifting training were not found to have a significant association with LBP. Of the LBP respondents, 36% reported needing help to carry out some of their farm tasks, in the previous year, due to LBP while 54% reported having to change work habits.
Conclusion
LBP is common among farmers. Over a third of farmers with LBP attributed it to a specific farm injury and lifting is commonly perceived as a causal factor. LBP leads to work disability that necessitates farmers changing work habits and getting help to complete farm tasks. The relationship between farm size and LBP warrants further investigation.
Conflicts of interest
None
Sources of Funding
Health and Safety Authority, Teagasc (Irish Agricultural Advisory Board)
This abstract has not been published in whole or substantial part nor has it been presented at a national meeting.
