A Scoping Review on Back Care Education Strategies for Farmers with Low Back Pain
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70672/2d91pt47Keywords:
back care education, low back pain, patient education, ergonomic, farmersAbstract
ABSTRACT
Background: Farmers frequently experience low back pain (LBP), which arises from the physically demanding nature of their work combined with multiple contributing factors. Hence, it is important to provide tailored back care education (BCE) to manage pain and enhance functionality effectively. Objective: This scoping review aims to identify, map, and synthesize the evidence on back care education (BCE) strategies designed to reduce pain and improve function for farmers with LBP. Materials and methods: The literature search was conducted in PUBMED, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify articles published between 2012 and 2024. The eligibility criteria included studies focusing on BCE in farming populations with LBP regardless of study design. Result: From 1,395 articles initially screened, only nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis identified three main BCE components: (1) ergonomic training for agricultural tasks, (2) prescribed therapeutic exercise, and (3) pain science and self-management education. Multi-component BCE programs were generally effective in reducing pain and improving function, although intervention protocols and outcome measures varied substantially. Conclusion: This review demonstrates that BCE is a promising strategy for the management of low back pain in farmers, particularly when adapted to the specific demands of agricultural work. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity of the interventions identified indicates the need for further research to formulate standardized and context-specific protocols, as well as to apply consistent outcome measures to build a more robust evidence base.
References
1. Lee HJ, Oh JH, Yoo JR, Ko SY, Kang JH, Lee SK, et al. Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Associated Risk Factors among Farmers in Jeju. Saf Health Work. 2021 Dec;12(4):432–8.
2. Jegnie M, Afework M. Prevalence of Self-Reported Work-Related Lower Back Pain and Its Associated Factors in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Environ Public Health. 2021;2021.
3. Chokprasit P, Yimthiang S, Veerasakul S. Heliyon Development and efficacy evaluation of a personalised self-care programme for reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders among rubber farmers in Thailand. Heliyon [Internet]. 2023;9(10):e20664. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20664
4. Allegri M, Montella S, Salici F, Valente A, Marchesini M, Compagnone C, et al. Mechanisms of low back pain: A guide for diagnosis and therapy [version 1; referees: 3 approved]. F1000Research. 2016;5:1–11.
5. Montazeri A, Mousavi SJ. 232 Quality of Life and Low Back Pain. 2010;2010.
6. Drazin D, Nuño M, Patil CG, Yan K, Liu JC, Acosta FL. Emergency room resource utilization by patients with low-back pain. J Neurosurg Spine. 2016;24(5):686–93.
7. Dianat I, Afshari D, Sarmasti N, Sangdeh MS, Azaddel R. Work posture, working conditions and musculoskeletal outcomes in agricultural workers. Int J Ind Ergon [Internet]. 2020;77(September 2019):102941. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2020.102941
8. Du S, Hu L, Dong J, Xu G, Chen X, Jin S, et al. Self-management program for chronic low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Patient Educ Couns [Internet]. 2017;100(1):37–49. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2016.07.029
9. Meucci RD, Fassa AG, Faria NMX, Fiori NS. Chronic low back pain among tobacco farmers in southern Brazil. Int J Occup Environ Health. 2015;21(1):66–73.
10. Keawduangdee P, Puntumetakul R, Swangnetr M, Laohasiriwong W, Settheetham D, Yamauchi J, et al. Prevalence of low back pain and associated factors among farmers during the rice transplanting process. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015;27(7):2239–45.
11. Mescouto K, Olson RE, Hodges PW, Setchell J. A critical review of the biopsychosocial model of low back pain care: time for a new approach? Disabil Rehabil [Internet]. 2022;44(13):3270–84. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2020.1851783
12. Saragiotto BT, de Almeida MO, Yamato TP, Maher CG. Multidisciplinary biopsychosocial rehabilitation for nonspecific chronic low back pain. Phys Ther. 2016;96(6):759–63.
13. Gianola S, Andreano A, Castellini G, Moja L, Valsecchi MG. Multidisciplinary biopsychosocial rehabilitation for chronic low back pain: The need to present minimal important differences units in meta-analyses. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2018;16(1):1–9.
14. van Erp RMA, Huijnen IPJ, Jakobs MLG, Kleijnen J, Smeets RJEM. Effectiveness of Primary Care Interventions Using a Biopsychosocial Approach in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review. Pain Pract. 2019;19(2):224–41.
15. Traeger AC, Buchbinder R, Elshaug AG, Croftd PR, Mahera CG. Health-system challenges Access to suitable therapies. Bull etin World Heal Org [Internet]. 2019;97(March):423–433. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6560373/pdf/BLT.18.226050.pdf
16. George SZ, Lentz TA, Beneciuk JM, Bhavsar NA, Mundt JM, Boissoneault J. Framework for improving outcome prediction for acute to chronic low back pain transitions. Pain Reports. 2020;5(2).
17. Swangnetr M, Kaber DB, Puntumetakul R, Gross MT. Ergonomics-related risk identification and pain analysis for farmers involved in rice field preparation. Work. 2014;49(1):63–71.
18. Bernstein IA, Malik Q, Carville S, Ward S. Low back pain and sciatica: Summary of NICE guidance. BMJ. 2017;356:10–3.
19. George SZ, Fritz JM, Silfies SP, Hendren S. Interventions for the Management of Acute and Chronic Low Back Pain: Revision 2021. 2023;51(11):1–85.
20. Tricco AC, Lillie E, Zarin W, O’Brien KK, Colquhoun H, Levac D, et al. PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR): Checklist and explanation. Ann Intern Med. 2018;169(7):467–73.
21. Peters MDJ, Godfrey CM, Khalil H, McInerney P, Parker D, Soares CB. Guidance for conducting systematic scoping reviews. Int J Evid Based Healthc. 2015;13(3):141–6.
22. Richardson WS, Wilson MC, Nishikawa J, Hayward RS. The well-built clinical question: a key to evidence-based decisions. Vol. 123, ACP journal club. United States; 1995. p. A12-3.
23. Ayanniyi O, Ige O. Back care education on peasant farmers suffering from chronic mechanical low back pain. J Exp Integr Med. 2015;5(4):215.
24. Baek S, Kim G, Park HWW. A mobile delivered self-exercise program for female farmers. Med (United States). 2020 Dec;99(52):e23624.
25. Ibrahim AA, Akindele MO, Ganiyu SO. Effectiveness of patient education plus motor control exercise versus patient education alone versus motor control exercise alone for rural community-dwelling adults with chronic low back pain: a randomised clinical trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2023 Dec 1;24(1).
26. Izadirad H, … FPIJ of, 2018 undefined. Effect of Exercise Training on Low Back Pain in Farmers; A Case Study of Aq-Qala, Golestan Province. EcopersiaModaresAcIr [Internet]. 2018;3(2):47–50. Available from: http://ecopersia.modares.ac.ir/article-32-20266-en.html
27. Nochit W, Kaewthummanukul T, Srisuphan W, Senaratana W. Effects of Working Behavior Modification Program on Low Back Pain Prevention Behaviors and Back Muscle Endurance among Thai Farmers. Pacific Rim Int J Nurs Res [Internet]. 2014;18(4):305–19. Available from: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cin20&AN=99988757&site=ehost-live
28. Parekh S, Phatak NR. A comparative study between ergonomic advices versus ergonomic plus physiotherapy intervention in low back pain among farmers. Int J Physiother Res. 2014;2(5):719–24.
29. Vyas R. Mitigation of musculoskeletal problems and body discomfort of agricultural workers through educational intervention. Work. 2012;41(SUPPL.1):2398–404.
30. Dunleavy K, Bishop M, Coffman A, Reidy J, Kane A, Dunleavy K, et al. Chronic lower back pain in aquaculture clam farmers : adoption and feasibility of self- management strategies introduced using a rapid prototype participatory ergonomic approach self-management strategies introduced using a rapid prototype participatory e. Int J Occup Saf Ergon [Internet]. 2021;0(0):1–11. Available from: https://doi.org/10803548.2021.1935543
31. Ibrahim AA, Akindele MO, Ganiyu SO. Motor control exercise and patient education program for low resource rural community dwelling adults with chronic low back pain: A pilot randomized clinical trial. J Exerc Rehabil. 2018;14(5):851–63.
32. Chokprasit P, Yimthiang S, Veerasakul S. Predictors of Low Back Pain Risk among Rubber Harvesters. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(17).
33. Rostami M, Choobineh A, Shakerian M, Faraji M, Modarresifar H. Assessing the effectiveness of an ergonomics intervention program with a participatory approach: ergonomics settlement in an Iranian steel industry. Int Arch Occup Environ Health [Internet]. 2022;95(5):953–64. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-021-01811-x
34. Akhter K, Sutton S, Mirzaei V, Kassavou A. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Face-to-face Medication Adherence Interventions for Patients with Long Term Health Conditions. Ann Behav Med [Internet]. 2022 Dec 1;56(12):1218–30. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1093/abm/kaac010
35. Brewer S, Eerd D Van, Amick BC, Irvin E, Daum KM, Gerr F, et al. Workplace interventions to prevent musculoskeletal and visual symptoms and disorders among computer users: A systematic review. J Occup Rehabil. 2006;16(3):325–58.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Asian Journal of Medicine & Health Sciences
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Journal of Engineering Technology (JET) is an open-access journal that follows the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0)
