Prevalence and Predictors of Low Back Pain in a Southern Nigerian Hospital

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is the most common musculoskeletal disease in adults. The data on LBP from Sub-Saharan Africa are inadequate. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and analyze the predictors of LBP among hospital staff in a Nigerian tertiary hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study participants were recruited using an opt-in approach, with the aim of including representative numbers from each professional cadre. Each participant gave formal consent. Ethical clearance was obtained. RESULTS: Five hundred and sixty-three participants with the mean age of 36.0 ± 8.3 years and 62% female were interviewed. The point prevalence of LBP was 234 (42% [95% confidence interval [CI]: 37%–45%]). Profession was a significant predictor of LBP (P = 0.001) – nurses (53% [95% CI 43%–63%]), administrative officers (49% [95% CI 40%–59%]), engineers (50% [95% CI 24%–76%]), and health information staff (50% [95% CI 26%–75%]) had the highest prevalence. In univariate regression, female gender, increasing age, body mass index ≥25 kg/m(2), and frequently adopting a bending posture, were significantly associated with LBP, while in multivariate regression, only the female gender was a significant predictor. CONCLUSION: The pattern of both the professions at risk, due to the well-known mechanisms of poor ergonomics, and the marked risk for the female gender, in the hospital setting, suggest underresourced work and societal environments as the underlying factors-more research is needed.