Association of Backache with Vitamin D Deficiency in Bangladeshi Female Garment Workers

Abstract

Introduction: Backache is a prevalent health concern, particularly among individuals engaged in professions that involve prolonged sitting or standing, such as garment workers. Vitamin D, known for its crucial role in bone health, has been linked to various musculoskeletal disorders. However, limited research has been conducted on the association between vitamin D deficiency and backache, especially in the context of female garment workers in Bangladesh. This research investigates the association between Vitamin D deficiency and backache among indoor garment working women, focusing on sunlight deficiency as a contributing factor. Methods and materials: Our study was conducted at Tairunnessa Memorial Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh spanning from June 2018 to December 2019. A total of 125 participants were included where the control count was 50 (non-backache) and the case count was 75 (backache) groups. The objective was to determine whether vitamin D deficiency plays a significant role in the prevalence of backache among Bangladeshi female garment workers. Results: In our study, insufficient vitamin D was found in 69% of low back pain patients, where the cut-off value of vitamin D was below 30ng/ml. Conclusion: Due to the possibility of limited sunlight exposure from their jobs, the research emphasizes how important it is to treat Vitamin D insufficiency in women who work indoor garments. The findings call for targeted interventions to improve the Vitamin D status of this vulnerable population, promoting both their immediate health and long-term well-being.