Prevalence of Low Back Ache and Functional Disability among Traffic Police in South Bangalore

Abstract

Background: Around 70% to 80% of world’s population has experienced Low Back Ache (LBA) at some point in their lives. Traffic police officers are prone to number of risk factors related to LBA every day. Around 96 various tasks must be completed in a full working day by a police officer. Out of these, 46 tasks require heavy physical work. Other tasks which do not require heavy physical work can be made easier if the police officer is physically good and fit. The traffic police do not know that back pain is caused due to their poor posture. Helpless stance, long walking hours, tedious developments of the body and helpless work community configuration are principle hazard factors for these issues. Objective: The purpose of the study is to determine the prevalence of LBA and functional disability among traffic police in South Bangalore. Material and Method: Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire is used to record sites of pain among traffic police officers. Modified ODI scale was administered to traffic police officers with Low Back Ache (LBA). Based on the ODI score, the functional disability was evaluated. VAS is used to measure pain in traffic police officers having LBA. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Result: In a total of 246 traffic police personnel who took part in the study, 96 of them reported with LBA i.e, the prevalence percentage was 39.02%. The mean pain intensity according to VAS was 3.95 ± 1.59. Out of the 96 police personnel who reported LBA, 49 personnel (51%) had moderate disability. Minimal disability was observed in 35 personnel (36.5%) and severe disability was noted in 12 personnel (12.5%). Conclusion: The prevalence rate of Low Back Ache among traffic police in south Bangalore is found out to be 39.02%.