Risk Factors of Low Back Pain Amongst Health Professionals in Imo State: A Cross-Sectional Study

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@article{1708322,
      author = {Ezeugwu Clifford Chika, Iwuala Chimezie Christian, Ezema Charles I.},
      title = {Risk Factors of Low Back Pain Amongst Health Professionals in Imo State: A Cross-Sectional Study},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2025},
      volume = {8},
      number = {11},
      pages = {416-426},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1708322.pdf},
      abstract = {Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, disproportionately affecting healthcare professionals who are routinely exposed to physical and ergonomic stressors. In low-resource settings like Nigeria, this burden threatens not only individual well-being but also healthcare service delivery. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of low back pain and to identify occupational, ergonomic, and individual risk factors among healthcare professionals in Imo State, Nigeria, in order to inform targeted preventive strategies.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 378 healthcare workers recruited from twelve (12) hospitals across Imo State. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic details, work-related postures, sleep patterns, footwear use, analgesic consumption, office furniture ergonomics, and physical activity levels. Anthropometric measurements were also taken. Associations between potential risk factors and the occurrence of LBP were evaluated using chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
Results:
The prevalence of clinically significant low back pain was 22%. Male healthcare workers reported a higher prevalence than females (26.4% vs. 17.9%; p=0.046). Risk factors significantly associated with LBP included bending/stooping work postures (47.8% prevalence vs. 20.9% among those primarily seated; p=0.018) and the use of poorly designed office furniture (28.1% vs. 16.9%; p=0.009). Regular analgesic use was associated with a threefold increase in LBP likelihood (38.9% vs. 12.3%; p=0.02). Participation in regular exercise did not demonstrate a protective effect (p=0.329). Nearly half (47%) of those experiencing LBP reported symptoms both at home and in the workplace.
Conclusion:
Low back pain among healthcare professionals in Imo State reflects a complex interplay of occupational demands, ergonomic deficiencies, and individual habits. Addressing modifiable risk factors through ergonomic interventions, workplace health promotion, and early pain management could significantly reduce the burden of LBP. These findings emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive occupational health policies tailored to healthcare settings in resource-limited environments.},
      keywords = {Low back pain, Healthcare professionals, Occupational risk factors, Ergonomic interventions, Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, Nigeria, Pain management, Healthcare workforce.},
      month = {May},
  }