The Relationship between Risky Work Behaviors and Self-Reported Knee Pain among Malaysian Railway Workers

Background: Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal pains at workplace and its prevalence ranges from 10 to 60%. Risky work behaviors are established risk factors. They result in functional impairment, disability and reduce quality of life.

Objectives: This study aims to determine the relationships between risky work behaviors and knee pain among Malaysian railway workers.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 513 railway workers across eight states within Peninsular Malaysia. Socio-demographics, risky work behaviors, occupational safety and history of knee pain were obtained by direct interviews using a structured closed ended questionnaire. Descriptive, bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results: The prevalence of self-reported knee pain over the past one year was 31.6%. Multivariate analysis yielded six significant predictors of knee pain: Socio-demographics (tertiary education); risky work behaviors (lifting or carrying heavy objects, working in uncomfortable position of knee joint, repeated flexion and extension of knee joint, continuous sitting work); and occupational safety (applying Personal Protective Equipment - PPE during work).

Conclusion: The significant associations between knee pain and risky work behaviors in railway workers point to urgent need for preventive measures, particularly in high risk occupations.