New research from Universitas
Kristen Indonesia reveals that over 84% of farmers in Cisampih Village,
Sumedang, West Java, experience low back pain linked to demanding physical
postures and extended working hours. Published in the International Journal
of National and Health Sciences in 2026, the investigation was conducted by
Wendy Hendrika, Vidi Posdo A. Simarmata, Kezia Martina Sinaga, and Febtusia
Puspitasari. The findings highlight critical occupational health challenges in
rural farming communities, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted ergonomic
interventions.
Background and Methodology
Agricultural labor routinely
involves physically demanding tasks such as planting, lifting, carrying, and
repetitive hoeing. Globally, low back pain remains a major occupational health
concern for agricultural workers across various income levels.
To evaluate these risks locally,
researchers conducted an analytical observational study with a cross-sectional
design in Cisampih Village between July and September 2024. Out of 55 initial
participants, three farmers with specific preexisting medical conditions—such
as osteoporosis, kyphosis, lordosis, and rheumatic disease—were excluded,
leaving 52 participants for the final analysis. Data was collected using closed
questionnaires and direct observations, examining demographic details, daily
work duration, bending angles, and hoeing frequencies. Researchers utilized
chi-square tests to analyze bivariate associations between physical exposures
and reported back pain.
Key Findings
The study uncovered a high
prevalence of discomfort among agricultural workers in the region:
- High Pain Prevalence: Out of the 52 analyzed
farmers, 44 participants (84.6%) reported experiencing low back pain.
Furthermore, 94.2% reported pain specifically while farming, and 90.4%
reported discomfort when bending.
- Impact of Bending Posture: A statistically
significant association was established between bending angles and low
back pain ($p = 0.002$). Farmers who maintained a trunk flexion of greater
than 60 degrees reported a higher incidence of pain.
- Daily Work Duration: Work duration was also
significantly associated with pain ($p = 0.038$). Notably, all 14
farmers who worked more than nine hours per day reported experiencing
low back pain.
- Physical Exertion: Every single participant
reported engaging in repetitive hoeing and standing for more than two
hours daily, with over 53% reporting heavy lifting.
Real-World Implications and
Industry Impact
The insights from Universitas
Kristen Indonesia carry vital implications for occupational health planners,
agricultural policymakers, and rural communities. Because farming heavily
relies on manual labor, chronic physical strain can reduce productivity, diminish
workers' quality of life, and increase healthcare burdens.
To mitigate these risks, industry
stakeholders and local health services are encouraged to introduce practical
ergonomic strategies. Recommended measures include providing tools matched to
workers' physical dimensions, scheduling mandatory rest breaks, limiting
sustained trunk flexion, and promoting task rotation throughout the workday.
"Local health services and
agricultural stakeholders can consider ergonomic assessment and education
tailored to farm tasks, including tool dimensions, task variation, and planned
breaks," the authors noted.
Author Profile
- Wendy Hendrika holds an academic degree and
serves as a researcher and lecturer in the Department of Public Health at
Universitas Kristen Indonesia, with expertise in occupational health and
ergonomic safety.
- Vidi Posdo A. Simarmata holds an academic
degree and is a faculty member at Universitas Kristen Indonesia
specializing in public health and community medicine.
- Kezia Martina Sinaga holds an academic
degree and is a researcher at Universitas Kristen Indonesia focusing on
occupational health and environmental safety.
- Febtusia Puspitasari holds an academic
degree and is a researcher at Universitas Kristen Indonesia specializing
in health sciences and worker welfare.
Source Information
- Journal Article Title: Bending Posture,
Repetitive Hoeing, Working Duration, and Low Back Pain Among Farmers in
Cisampih
- Journal Name: International Journal of
National and Health Sciences (IJNHS)
- Publication Year: 2026
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijnhs.v4i4.6
- Official URL: https://journalijnhs.my.id/index.php/ijnhs/index
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