Prevalence and risk factors for low back pain among university teaching staff in Nairobi, Kenya: a cross-sectional study

Background: To date, there are few studies carried out on low back pain (LBP) among university teaching staff in developing countries despite academics being a high-risk group for LBP. In Kenya, to the best of our knowledge, there are no published studies that have investigated risk factors for LBP among teaching staff. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of LBP among teaching staff of the University of Nairobi (UoN), during the period June 2016 – May 2017, and to identify its socio-demographic and work-related risk factors. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study design was used to estimate the prevalence and investigate the risk factors for LBP among 136 teaching staff of UoN. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on LBP history, work-related and socio-demographic characteristics of the study participants. The 12-month prevalence of LBP and its associated 95% exact binomial confidence interval were estimated. A mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between the predictors and LBP. Results: The estimated 12-month prevalence of LBP was 64% (95% CI: 55.3%–72.0%). From the multivariable analysis, physical inactivity (aOR: 6.0; 95% CI: 1.2–29.6), office chairs without lumbar supports (aOR: 3.3; 95% CI: 0.1–0.9) and high workplace stress (aOR: 4.4; 95% CI: 1.1–17.5) were identified as significant risk factors for LBP among the respondents. Conclusions: This study has revealed a high burden of LBP among teaching staff of the UoN and undoubtedly mimics the situation in other higher learning institutions in Kenya. Physical inactivity, sitting on chairs without lumbar supports and workplace stress have been identified as modifiable risk factors for LBP among teaching staff. This suggests a need to strengthen advocacy for regular physical activity, team-building activities and investment in office infrastructure to mitigate the effects of LBP within learning institutions.