International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
Volume 16, Issue 2s

Association between rural work practices and low back pain in Mizoram: a case-control study

Teresa Vanlalpeki1*, Dr Nitesh Kumar Meena2, Dr Ajeet Kumar Saharan3, Dr H. Elizabeth4, Dr C Zonunsanga5

1*Physiotherapist, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Department, Zoram Medical College & Hospital
2Associate Professor, Department of Orthopedics, NIMS University, Jaipur
3Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, NIMS University, Jaipur
4Professor, Department of Social Work, Mizoram University
5Head of Department, Associate Professor, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Department, Zoram Medical College & Hospital

ABSTRACT

Background: The Mizo people (Mizo hnam) are an ethnic group of north-eastern India, western Burma (Myanmar), and eastern Bangladesh. Agriculture is the mainstay and the major source of income and employment. Mizoram practices traditional subsistence agriculture as about half of the state's total population is involved.

Objectives: Primary objective is to identify the risk factors contributing to low back pain in the middle-aged working population of Mizoram.

Methods: The sample was collected from Presbyterian Church of India members of Mizoram in Aizawl District. The church secretary announced in church and the people who attended church between the age group of 40-55 were given a questionnaire. Those replying to the questionnaire were included in the study.

Data Analysis: Data analysis was done using SPSS version 22.0 and significance was considered as p≤ 0.05, descriptive statistics and frequencies were taken. The odds ratio was calculated by weighting cases by frequency and crosstabs.

Results: A bamboo basket increase in hours/week OR is more, >10 hours/week is 6.894. The load on the shoulder of carrying water is 2.356. People having more than one job versus no secondary job OR is 13.895, farming practices 2-4 hours/day versus no farming practices OR is 9.579.

Conclusion: People having more than one job, farming practices, a long-standing, bamboo basket used for more hours per week, and mode of carrying water- load on the shoulder is at high risk.

Keywords: low back pain, back pain, risk factors, middle-aged, farmer, India, China, lumbago, sciatica pain, biomechanical factor

How to cite this article: Vanlalpeki T, Meena NK, Saharan AK, Elizabeth H, Zonunsanga C, Association between rural work practices and low back pain in Mizoram: a case-control study. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(2s): 979-989; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.979-989