Characteristics of low back pain and its associated factors among healthcare providers at a tertiary hospital in Sylhet city: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundHealthcare providers serve as the backbone of the healthcare system, yet they frequently have low back pain (LBP) due to ergonomic factors. Therefore, the objective of this research was to identify the characteristics of LBP and its associated factors among healthcare providers in Bangladesh.MethodologyIn this cross-sectional study, 310 medical providers, both male and female, participated. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate data regarding different measures of LBP. The chi-square test and descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the data. To identify the predicted risk factor for LBP, binary logistic regression was performed.ResultA total of 51.9% of healthcare providers reported having LBP at least once a day in the past 12 months, 25.8% had chronic LBP, 18.1% had to take time off work due to LBP, and 57.89% had received combination medication and physiotherapy in the previous 12 months. The advanced age (41–59 years) adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–3.22; p = 0.034), lifting objects (AOR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.06–3.78; p = 0.032), awkward position (AOR = 6.54, 95% CI = 3.04–14.10; p = 0.001), physical exercise (AOR = 3.81, 95% CI = 2.23–6.52; p = 0.001), and comorbidities (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.00–3.20) were predictors for developing LBP at least once in the past 12 months.ConclusionAccording to this study, more than half of healthcare professionals reported having LBP at least once in the previous 12 months. Good working posture, ergonomic knowledge, and safe lifting techniques are essential to getting rid of this problem. In addition, good medical attention and regular exercise are required.