Managing the Pain: Investigating the Role of Indivuals and Job Factors in Coping with Low Back Pain Among Sewing Workers

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the potential incidence of low back pain (LBP) among sewers in the garment industry of PT. Dan Liris in Sukoharjo, Central Java Province-Indonesia. Theoretical   framework: In this study, the independent variables include individual factors, work factors, awareness of LBP triggers, and perception of LBP. While the dependent variables include participation in anticipating LBP incidents and independence in controlling LBP incidents.   Method: This study was conducted by taking a sample of 119 respondents who work as sewers through purposive random sampling from 4,000 workers of PT. Dan Liris.   Results and conclusion: The results showed that individual factors, work factors, awareness of LBP triggers, and perceptions of LBP had a positive and significant effect on participatory attitudes in anticipating LBP. However, awareness of LBP triggers does not have a positive and significant effect on participatory attitudes in anticipating LBP. In addition, individual factors, perception of LBP, and one's participation in anticipating LBP incidents also have a positive and significant effect on one's independence in controlling LBP incidents. However, job factors and awareness of LBP triggers do not have a positive and significant effect on one's independence in controlling LBP incidents. Furthermore, the variable mediation of work factors and one's participation in anticipating LBP incidents strengthens the relationship between individual factors and one's independence in controlling LBP incidents. However, the mediating variables of awareness of LBP triggers and perception of LBP did not show a positive and significant relationship to one's independence in controlling LBP incidents.   Originality/value: This study provides new insights into the factors that influence the incidence of LBP in sewers in the garment industry. The results of this study can be used to develop strategies for the prevention and control of LBP in the garment industry as well as increase the awareness of sewers about the importance of preventing LBP incidents.