Factors associated with back problems among emergency medical technicians.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine · 2007-05-02 · Observational study
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Back problems are a common complaint among emergency medical technicians (EMTs). It is hypothesized that the likelihood of reporting back problems will be associated with the individual and work-related characteristics of a national sample of EMTs. METHODS: A case-control analysis was performed on 579 EMTs wherein cases were the 104 subjects who reported new back problems in 2004. Controls were 475 subjects who reported no back problems in 2003 and 2004. RESULTS: EMTs dissatisfied with their current assignment were significantly more likely to report back problems (OR = 9.33; 95% CI = 3.04-28.67), as were EMTs reporting good or fair fitness when compared to excellent fitness (OR = 3.39; 95% CI = 1.54-7.45, OR = 3.43; 95% CI = 1.37-8.56). CONCLUSIONS: Results from this analysis suggest that there are two modifiable factors associated with self-reported back problems among EMTs, satisfaction with current assignment and self-reported physical fitness.