Perceptions of work and family assistance and the prevalence of lower back problems in a South African manganese factory.

An analytical cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out among 109 manganese plant workers to examine the prevalence and association between lower back problems (LBP) and family and workplace related psychosocial risk factors. Outcome (LBP) was defined using a guided questionnaire and a functional rating index. Exposure to family and workplace related psychosocial risk was determined using the Occupational Risk Factor (ORFQ) and APGAR questionnaires for work and family support. Using inclusive and stringent definitions for perceived LBP, point prevalence was 37.6% and 29.4%, respectively. Only 8 cases of LBP were, however recorded officially over a 7-yr period (1996-2003). Multivariate analyses indicated a high, but non-significant odds ratio (OR) for negative perceptions of workplace support OR 3.29 (CI 0.95-11.30). A positive, non-significant, association for negative perceptions of family support (2.56; CI 0.69-9.52) and a protective, but non-significant, association for control over the order and pace of working tasks (OR 0.40; CI 0.12-1.35) was found. These findings together with the under-reporting, leads one to conclude that work hardening and a cultural ethos of non-complaining among manual labourers, moderates the association between LBP and the aetiological factors studied.