Occupational and Lifestyle Risk Factors Associated with Low Back Pain Among Health Professionals in Imo State: A Cross-Sectional Study

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@article{1708320,
      author = {Ezeugwu Clifford Chika, Iwuala Chimezie Christian, Ezema Charles I.},
      title = {Occupational and Lifestyle Risk Factors Associated with Low Back Pain Among Health Professionals in Imo State: A Cross-Sectional Study},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2025},
      volume = {8},
      number = {11},
      pages = {397-405},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1708320.pdf},
      abstract = {Background:
Low back pain (LBP) is a growing occupational health issue worldwide, particularly among healthcare professionals who are frequently exposed to physically demanding tasks. In Nigeria, where health systems are already burdened, LBP further compromises workforce productivity and wellbeing. This study aimed to assess the relationship between occupational and lifestyle-related risk factors and the occurrence of LBP among healthcare workers in Imo State.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 378 healthcare professionals aged 24?60 years from twelve hospitals across Imo State. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Variables such as working posture, exercise habits, furniture ergonomics, sleep patterns, and analgesic use were analyzed using SPSS version 17 to determine associations with reported LBP.
Results:
Out of 378 respondents, 22% reported experiencing LBP. Statistically significant associations were observed between LBP and certain occupational factors: frequent bending or stooping at work (p=0.018), inadequate office furniture (p=0.009), and regular analgesic use (p=0.020). Meanwhile, variables such as physical exercise, sleep posture, and footwear type showed no significant correlation with LBP occurrence.
Conclusion:
Findings suggest that work-related ergonomics, particularly posture and furniture quality, play a crucial role in LBP development among healthcare workers. Regular analgesic use may signal poorly managed chronic pain rather than serve as a protective factor. Interventions focused on ergonomic training, better workplace design, and non-pharmacological pain management are recommended to reduce LBP burden in this high-risk population.},
      keywords = {Low back pain, Healthcare professionals, Occupational risk factors, Ergonomic interventions, Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, Nigeria, Pain management, Healthcare workforce.},
      month = {May},
  }