title: Work and family support systems and the prevalence of lower back problems in a South African steel industry.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Back complaints are a common in society.
  
  
  METHODS
  An analytical cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out among 366 steel plant workers to examine the prevalence and association between lower back problems (LBP) and family and workplace related psychosocial risk factors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Using inclusive and stringent definitions for LBP, point prevalence was 35.8% and 15.3%, respectively. Logistic regression analyses indicated significant adjusted odd ratios (OR) for negative perceptions of workplace support (2.32; CI 1.09-4.92), unexpected events (2.58; CI 1.19-5.59) and working under time pressures and deadlines (2.83; CI 1.24-6.48). A significant protective association was found for control over the order and pace of working tasks (OR 0.30; CI 0.14-0.63). A significant univariate association was further found between LBP and negative perceptions of family (1.97; CI 1.06-3.68) support.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings suggest that workers who feel more in control on the job and who have good family and workplace support systems in tact are less likely to experience LBP. Supervisors are therefore encouraged to develop appropriate support and organizational systems which may be an inexpensive, but potentially beneficial, means of reducing worker stress and LBP.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biokinetics, Sport and Leisure Sciences, LC de Villiers Sport Centre, University of Pretoria, South Street, Hatfield, Pretoria 0002, South Africa. bernard.vanvuuren@up.ac.za
authors.forename: Bernard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: van Vuuren
authors.forename: Evert
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zinzen
authors.forename: Hendrik J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: van Heerden
authors.forename: Piet J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Becker
authors.forename: Romain
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Meeusen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002055:Burnout, Professional; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005195:Family Relations; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008669:Metallurgy; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D013232:Steel; D017132:Workplace
chemical_list: D013232:Steel