Prevalence and Risk Factors of Lower Back Pain among Healthcare Workers at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is among the 10 highest disorders contributing to disability and disease, having a disability-adjusted life years higher than some more well-known diseases or causes such as road traffic accidents, lung cancer, and tuberculosis. The study aims to determine the prevalence of LBP among healthcare workers and to ascertain possible risk factors associated with this condition at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, Nigeria. This study was conducted at AKTH. The study is an observational, cross-sectional descriptive study. The study populations included medical personnel in the hospital. A sample of 200 subjects was selected following a systematic sampling technique. The study was conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. A simple proforma was used to collect biodata, prevalence, risk factors, and preventive measures of LBP. It was observed that 87% of the medical staff are suffering from LBP and only 13% are free from lower back pain. Chi-square test showed that females are more associated with lower back pain, X² = 4.65, P = 0.031. The data also shows that 97% of the respondents’ onset of low back pain was after they had joined the medical profession. The results show a high prevalence of LBP amongst staff of AKTH, which could be attributed to the nature of their work environment, as the onset is post-employment in most healthcare workers. This study provides insight into the burden of work-related hazards in the Healthcare sector and the prevention strategies.