The Relationship between Risky Work Behaviors and Self-Reported Knee Pain among Malaysian Railway Workers
Sami A. R. AL-Dubai *
Department of Community Medicine, International Medical University (IMU), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Ahmad M. Qureshi
Department of Public Health, Monash University (Malaysia) Clinical School, No 8- Jalan Masjid Abu Bakar, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Kurubaran Ganasegeran
Department of Medical, Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital (HTAR), Jalan Langat, 41200 Klang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Andrew Dane
School of Health Sciences, Division of Chiropractic, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Kenneth E. Reckelhoff
School of Health Sciences, Division of Chiropractic, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
David W. Hannah
School of Health Sciences, Division of Chiropractic, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal pains at workplace and its prevalence ranges from 10 to 60%. Risky work behaviors are established risk factors. They result in functional impairment, disability and reduce quality of life.
Objectives: This study aims to determine the relationships between risky work behaviors and knee pain among Malaysian railway workers.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 513 railway workers across eight states within Peninsular Malaysia. Socio-demographics, risky work behaviors, occupational safety and history of knee pain were obtained by direct interviews using a structured closed ended questionnaire. Descriptive, bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.
Results: The prevalence of self-reported knee pain over the past one year was 31.6%. Multivariate analysis yielded six significant predictors of knee pain: Socio-demographics (tertiary education); risky work behaviors (lifting or carrying heavy objects, working in uncomfortable position of knee joint, repeated flexion and extension of knee joint, continuous sitting work); and occupational safety (applying Personal Protective Equipment - PPE during work).
Conclusion: The significant associations between knee pain and risky work behaviors in railway workers point to urgent need for preventive measures, particularly in high risk occupations.
Keywords: Knee pain, occupational, railway, work behaviors