A Survey on the Prevalence of Low Back Pain and the Disability in Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) in Panvel Division of Maharashtra.

Background: People with low back pain (LBP) frequently experience diminished productivity. Long-term, poor physical health, mental health issues, repetitive lifting of heavy objects, and prolonged movement repetition are all thought to be contributing factors to low back pain. An Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) is a woman who serves as a vital liaison between public health and the local community. ASHA provides health, birth planning, safe childbirth, and breastfeeding counseling to rural women and conducts civil registration. The study seeks to determine the substantial occurrence of low back pain and its disability in ASHA, given their susceptibility to work-related musculoskeletal low back pain.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Maharashtra's Urban Public Health Centers (UPHCs). Interviews were conducted with 113 ASHA who had a normal Body Mass Index (BMI), at least a year of work experience, and no history of significant neurological or musculoskeletal disorders or injuries. We collected demographic information. To screen for LBP, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was then used to assess disability. In addition, a self-structured questionnaire was administered. Descriptive analysis was done using Microsoft Excel.

Results: Out of 113 participants, 88.5% had LBP. Mild disability was seen in 57% of participants and 42% had moderate disability, with 1% of no disability.

Conclusion: The responsibilities of the job put ASHA at higher risk of lower back pain. Mild disability is the most common type of disability, followed by moderate disability.