Low Back Pain among Healthcare Workers in University Hospital in Tunisia.

Chronic low back pain is considered as a high-impact condition that affects the working population of Latin America, with long reaching social and economic repercussions. Its true frequency is unknown due to the absence of well-designed clinical trials that use standardized definitions and criteria. To evaluate the prevalence of chronic non-specific low back pain among the Latin American population. A systematic review of chronic non-specific low back pain in Latin America. Meeting of Change Pain Latin America, Mexico. Data sources included relevant literature identified through searches of published studies between August 30, 2002, and August 30, 2012, in 7 electronic databases: Cochrane BVS, Pubmed, Medline, Lilacs, Scielo, Hinari, and MedCarib. Publications dealing with low back pain of a post-traumatic, infectious, or malignant origin were excluded. Two reviewers selected in an independent manner all eligible studies using the MOOSE checklist and extracted data on both prevalence and risk factors associated with low back pain. A narrative synthesis of the results was drafted, which was later validated by a panel of clinical experts on pain. Twenty-eight studies were included in the review, comprising a total of 20,559 subjects from 7 countries in the region. Four of these studies, with significant methodological differences between them, measured the frequency of chronic low back pain with results that varied from 4.2% to 10.1%. Four studies are part of the Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) program reports, and were pooled and analyzed separately because of their particular design. Their prevalence estimations varied between 1.8% and 11.3%. The remaining 20 studies evaluated a total population of 6,992 subjects, and found a prevalence of low back pain of 31.3%. Based on an epidemiological model constructed on both times to resolution and low back pain recurrence rates, the prevalence of chronic low back pain in Latin America was estimated to be around 10.5%. Some risk factors reported by the authors are long working hours with the worker in the sitting position, obesity and overweight, pregnancy, smoking, advanced age, lifting and carrying heavy loads, domestic work, sedentary lifestyles, and duration of current employment. A subgroup analysis of the population under study yielded an estimated prevalence of low back pain of 16.7% for the population exposed to a lower number of risk factors and 65% for the higher risk subgroup. In this review, we made an exhaustive search of studies evaluating the epidemiology of chronic low back pain in the Latin America region. The large topographic and chronologic variability in definitions of low back pain, interviewer bias, and subject selection bias. Despite the sparse information and the methodological heterogeneity of the studies, pooled results allowed for an indirect estimation of the prevalence of low back pain in the region that was pretty consistent with the published results obtained from other settings. New studies need to be carried out to supplement and overcome the methodological weaknesses of those previously conducted.

Aim: This study assessed the prevalence and management of LBP among health workers in a private teaching hospital in South West Nigeria. Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) often experience low back pain (LBP) more than any other category of workers. While a lot has been documented about the prevalence of LBP among different categories of workers, little is known about how health workers manage LBP. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and management of LBP among health workers in a private teaching hospital in South West Nigeria. Associations between variables: (a) sociodemographic variables (i.e., age, gender) and the prevalence of low back pain, and (b) interference with activities of daily living across different categories of health workers, were evaluated. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed in this study. One hundred and eighty-nine HCWs were randomly selected from the wards and units of the hospital. The LBP questionnaire and the Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire were used for data collection. Data were analysed using descriptive (mean and percentages) and inferential (chi-square and ANOVA) statistics. Results: The prevalence of LBP among health workers was found to be 87.3%. Moreover, most of the health workers massage their back (78.3%), engage in exercise (72.0%), and use analgesics (69.3%) as a means of managing LBP. Furthermore, there was no significant relationship between gender (X2 = 0.31, P>0.05), age (X2 = 1.52, P>0.05), marital status (X2 = 2.93, P>0.05) of HCWs and prevalence of LBP. However, a significant difference was reported in the mean interference of LBP with activities of daily living across the different categories of healthcare workers that participated in the study (F= (7,181) 3.58, P = 0.01). Conclusion: The prevalence of LBP is high among HCWs that participated in the study. Therefore, it is recommended that HCWs might use massage, engage in exercise, and take analgesics as a means to combat LBP.

Aim The study assessed the prevalence and management of LBP among health workers in a private teaching hospital in South West Nigeria. Background Health care workers (HCWs) often experience low back pain (LBP) more than any other category of workers. While a lot has been documented about the prevalence of LBP among different categories of workers, little is known about how health workers manage LBP. Objectives The study assessed the prevalence and management of LBP among health workers in a private teaching hospital in South West Nigeria. Association between variables was tested (a) sociodemographic variables (i.e., age, gender) and prevalence of low back pain, and (b) interference with Activities of daily living and categories of health workers. Methods A cross-sectional design was employed in this study. One hundred and eighty-nine HCWs were randomly selected in the wards and units of the hospital. The prevalence of the LBP questionnaire and Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire were used for data collection. Data were analysed using descriptive (mean and percentages) and inferential (chi-square and ANOVA) statistics. Results The prevalence of LBP among health workers was found to be 87.3%. Also, most of the health workers massage their back (78.3%), engage in exercise (72.0%), and use analgesics (69.3%) as a means of managing LBP. Furthermore, there was no significant relationship between gender (X2 = 0.31, P>0.05), age (X2 = 1.52, P>0.05), marital status (X2 = 2.93, P>0.05) of HCWs and prevalence of LBP. However, a significant difference exists in the mean interference of LBP with activities of daily living across the different categories of healthcare workers that participated in the study (F= (7,181) 3.58, P = 0.01). Conclusion The prevalence of LBP is high among HCWs that participated in the study. Therefore, it is recommended that HCWs might use massage, engagement in exercise, and analgesics as a means to combat LBP.

Aim The study assessed the prevalence and management of LBP among health workers in a private teaching hospital in South West Nigeria. Background Health care workers (HCWs) often experience low back pain (LBP) more than any other category of workers. While a lot has been documented about the prevalence of LBP among different categories of workers, little is known about how health workers manage LBP. Objectives The study assessed the prevalence and management of LBP among health workers in a private teaching hospital in South West Nigeria. Association between variables was tested (a) sociodemographic variables (i.e., age, gender) and prevalence of low back pain, and (b) interference with Activities of daily living and categories of health workers. Methods A cross-sectional design was employed in this study. One hundred and eighty-nine HCWs were randomly selected in the wards and units of the hospital. The prevalence of the LBP questionnaire and Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire were used for data collection. Data were analysed using descriptive (mean and percentages) and inferential (chi-square and ANOVA) statistics. Results The prevalence of LBP among health workers was found to be 87.3%. Also, most of the health workers massage their back (78.3%), engage in exercise (72.0%), and use analgesics (69.3%) as a means of managing LBP. Furthermore, there was no significant relationship between gender (X2 = 0.31, P>0.05), age (X2 = 1.52, P>0.05), marital status (X2 = 2.93, P>0.05) of HCWs and prevalence of LBP. However, a significant difference exists in the mean interference of LBP with activities of daily living across the different categories of healthcare workers that participated in the study (F= (7,181) 3.58, P = 0.01). Conclusion The prevalence of LBP is high among HCWs that participated in the study. Therefore, it is recommended that HCWs might use massage, engagement in exercise, and analgesics as a means to combat LBP.

Introduction: Low back pain is a significant health problem in all developed countries and is one of the most common cases that appear near health facilities to seek treatment. The prevalence and incidence of LBP is unchangable almost every year worldwide, being described as a pain that causes instability and inability to work, disrupts the quality of life and the reason for more frequent medical visits. The purpose of this study: The purpose of this study is to indetify and study the prevalence of nonspecific Low Back Pain among the Physical Therapy students of the Faculty of Technical Medical Science in the University of Medicine Tirana. Also this study aim’s to study the characteristics of Low Back Pain and how does it affect the every day lives of students. Methodology: This study included 80 students (73 females and 7 males) of the Physical Therapy on their Science Master Degree, first year (n=42) and second year (n=38). Students filled a questionnaire and to be participants on this study they must furfill some criteria defined by the study. Results: By the end of the study was discovered that the prevalence of nonspecific Low Back Pain among students was 73%. The mean value of pain intensity according to Visual Analogue Scale was 3.77. Where 36% of the subjects exprerienced a mild pain, 55% e moderated pain and 9% a severe pain. Disability according to the Oswestry Disability Index was 19% (minimal disability). Conclusions: In conclusion according to this study Physical Therapy students in Albania have a high prevalence of Low Back Pain among them. Low Back Pain can be an ocupational risk and may cause disability on this student group. Risk factors and the causes of Low Back Pain remain to be studied.

BackgroundLow back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders and the most common cause of activity restriction in people younger than 45 years. Nurses have a high incidence and prevalence of low back pain in terms of physical and emotional factors among healthcare workers. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of low back pain.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed on 385 operating room personnel of the hospitals affiliated with Shiraz (the largest city in southern Iran) University of Medical Sciences. The data were collected via a research-made developed questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of two parts, including the demographic information and prevalence and dimensions of low back pain.ResultsThe results showed that the prevalence of low back pain was 74% among operating room personnel. There was a significant relationship among low back pain, education level, and marital status (p < 0.05).ConclusionHospital managers should reduce the prevalence of this disorder among operating room staff by teaching preventative patient handling techniques via training courses.

Background: Low back pain is one of the global health issues which prevalence is high among productive ages. It oftentimes corresponds with one’s physical activity during work . The purpose of this study was to determine theprevalence and characteristics of low back pain among productive age population in Jatinangor, West Java, Indonesia. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted during the period of August to October 2014 in the three villages in Jatinangor, West Java, Indonesia. In order to determine the demographic data and history of low back pain in the last three months, about 1075 productive age populations were selected through validated questionnaire as the secondary data. These data consisting of 310 subjects were then described according to the pain characteristics and physical activity during work. Results: During three months of examination, s the prevalence of low back pain was 38.4%, with the average age 50–59 years old. Furthermore, about 22.3% subjects were indicated chronic low back pain. The most prevalent qseverity of the pain was dull pain (29.4%), followed with pins and needles pain (23.1%), As the intensity of the pain increased, there was a tendency of increasing interference in daily activities. Static posture was also the most frequent physical activity during work (53.2%). Conclusions: The prevalence of low back pain is more than one third (38.4%) among productive age populations in Jatinangor, West Java, Indonesia.[AMJ.2016;3(3):468–75] DOI: 10.15850/amj.v3n3.863

Low back pain in patients with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and the prevalence in a French multiple sclerosis population.

Background: Due to a very demanding curriculum during their studies, medical students are exposed to stress, a sedentary lifestyle and long hours in hospital wards which can lead to the occurrence of low back pain in this population. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of low back pain in medical students. Objectives and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Faculty of Medical Sciences in Kragujevac. Our study comprised undergraduate medical students (n=499/547; 91.2% participation rate). Main outcome was the prevalence of self-reported low back pain. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: The overall prevalence of low back pain among the students was 63.1% (n = 318). Prevalence among males and females was 16.8% and 22.8%, respectively (p&gt;0.05). In female medical students, significant association was found between prevalence of low back pain and cigarette smoking (OR=3.56; 95%CI=1.91-6.6, p&lt;0.000), and positive family history for low back pain (OR=2.37; 95%CI=1.31-4.27, p=0.004). In male medical students, no significant association was found between the prevalence of low back pain and the observed variables. Conclusions: There is a high lifetime prevalence of low back pain in medical students, associated with smoking and positive family history for low back pain among females. Education on the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits, as well as education on other preventive measures could contribute to the reduction of the number of people suffering from lower back pain.

A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews. To estimate the point, 12-month period, and lifetime prevalence of low back pain (LBP) in the general population of Turkey, and to determine the factors associated with LBP. We also aim to determine self-reported health states differences between patients and the general population by the EuroQol-5D & Visual Analogue Scale (EQ5D-VAS). LBP as a major public health problem has been unquestionably the most serious pain problem. LBP generally appears between 35 and 64 years of age. Little was known about the prevalence and determinants of LBP among populations from developing areas; information mostly comes from industrialized countries. This epidemiologic study reported the prevalence of LBP in the general population in Turkey. In Turkey, community-based trials on the prevalence of LBP were scarce. A total of 7,000 participants selected by randomly sampling from seven regions of Turkey. A comprehensive questionnaire on demographics, physical and emotional stress, LBP, and EQ5D-VAS was administered to 4,990 men and women (age range, 18-70 years). The lifetime, 12-month period, and point prevalence of LBP were 44.1%, 34.0%, and 19.7%, respectively. The prevalence of LBP in women was consistently higher than in men across all age groups. The proportion of specific LBP was 10.2%, and most common etiology of specific LBP was disc hernia. In regression analysis, occupation, physical, and emotional stress showed significant associations with having LBP. The EQ5D-VAS scores of patients with LBP were significantly lower than self-reported assessments of the population without LBP (64.6, 63.0 vs. 73.8, P < 0.05). In comparison with other developing countries, the prevalence of LBP is higher in Turkey and approximates prevalence estimates of LBP in developed countries. LBP is associated with occupation. Smoking is not associated with having LBP. This study also shows that LBP influences disability and quality of life.

IntroductionWork-related musculoskeletal disorders represent a major public health problem, contributing significantly to the global burden of disability-adjusted life years and affecting the quality of life of all population groups. The main problem in most musculoskeletal disorders is low back pain. Therefore, our study aims to identify the overall prevalence of work-related low back pain among the working population in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsResearch published between 2010 and 2023 in English, conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa was included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Using Boolean logic operators and targeted keywords, we searched for publications on a number of electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Science Direct). The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal techniques were utilized to conduct a quality assessment of the papers and ascertain their relevance to the study. The degree of heterogeneity among the included studies, the 95% confidence interval, and the pooled prevalence were estimated using a random effects model. Sensitivity studies were carried out to determine the causes of heterogeneity and the impact of outliers.ResultsIn this study, a total of 970 articles were retrieved, and 35 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall estimated pooled prevalence of low back pain among the working population in sub-Saharan Africa was (55.05% [95% CI: 49.34, 60.76]). Based on a sub-group analysis by countries, the higher pooled prevalence of low back pain was found in Uganda at (61.48% [95% CI: 40.39, 82.57]), while the lower pooled prevalence of low back pain was in Ghana at (34.48% [95% CI: 17.96, 51.01]).ConclusionsThis systematic review and meta-analysis found that 55.05% of the included study participants experienced low back pain in the previous years. Therefore, it is recommended that policymakers incorporate and enhance strategies for the prevention and management of low back pain within the health system management guidelines of each country.

Introduction: Development of at a younger age is a potential risk of developing chronic low back pain in adulthood. The study was planned with the purpose to know the extent of the less studied musculoskeletal disorders as a health problem among Indian medical students. The study was conducted to assess the prevalence of low back and neck pain among medical students, find the associations of low back and neck pain with quality-of-life issues, self-perceived stress and lifestyle. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Bhopal, India from May to July 2019, total 220 medical students were randomly selected. A questionnaire including the pre-validated instruments viz. Oswestry Disability Index, Visual Analog Scale and Perceived Stress Scale-10 were used to collect the data. Data entry was done in Microsoft Excel and was analyzed on statistical package SPSS version 23. Results: The overall prevalence of Low Back and Neck Pain were 49.1% and 56.4% respectively. A significant association of female gender was found with Neck and Low Back Pain. A significant negative correlation was found between body mass index and Visual Analogue Scale neck &amp; back (p=0.003). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of low back pain and neck pain in medical students at Bhopal. Females were affected more than males. Complaint of lower back pain was more than neck pain. Playing outdoor sports and weightlifting was found to be having protective effect on low back pain and neck pain.

Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder, that significantly impedes productivity. This study aims to ascertain the risk factors responsible for developing low back pain and the impact on personal workplace service delivery among Anesthetist's practicing in Rivers and Bayelsa States of Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, A self-administered questionnaire reflecting the modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to detect the risk factors and assess the severity and impact of low back pain on this group of professionals. The prevalence of low back pain was calculated and described by using frequency tables. A multivariate logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with the prevalence of low back pain. Significance was considered at p<0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. A total of 65 anesthetist's responded, giving a response rate of 90%. There were more males (52.3%) than females (47.7%). The majority (69.2%) of those who responded had low back pain, more in females (53.3%) compared to males (46.7%) although not significant. (P=0.994); Majority had moderate pain 58.6%, 22.7% severe and 20.5% mild pain. There was no association between low back pain and age (P=0.130), gender(P=0.994), marital status (P=0.333) and BMI (P=0.164). Bending (P=0.032), lifting (P=0.024), and standing(P=0.016) were predictive variables for low back pain and were statistically significant P<0.05. Using the Oswestry pain assessment tool for LBP, the estimated prevalence of low back pain was more than fifty percent among the respondents. In this study, frequent bending and twisting, prolonged standing, and lifting were important significant associated factors in the development of LBP among anesthetist's.

BackgroundPrevious studies, in late 20th century, suggest an increase in the prevalence of neck pain and low back pain among children and adolescents, when neck and low back pain were studied separately. This study investigated time trends in adolescent spinal pain between 1991 and 2011 by classifying pain into the following three classes: neck pain alone, low back pain alone, and concomitant neck and low back pain.MethodsRepresentative samples of 12 to 18-year-old Finns were sent a questionnaire in 1991, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011. Information was gathered about the frequency of neck and low back pain with a six-month recall period. Statistical methods used included descriptive analysis, and generalized linear models.ResultsThe total number of respondents in these eight comparable cross-sectional surveys was 51 044 with a response proportion of 64%. The prevalence of concomitant neck and low back pain showed a steady increase from 1991 to 2009/2011; the prevalence almost quadrupled among 12-14-year-olds girls (from 2% to 7.5%), and more than doubled among 12-14-year-old boys (from 1.6% to 3.8%), and among 16-18-year old boys (from 4.2 to 9.9%) and girls (6.9% to 15.9%). The prevalence of neck pain alone only increased in the 1990s (e.g. among 16-18-year-old girls 22.9% in 1991, 29.2% in 1999, and 29.5% in 2011), while the prevalence of low back pain alone remained relatively constant during the last two decades (e.g. among 16-18-year-old girls 4% in 1991, 3.1% in 1999, and 3.7% in 2011).ConclusionsConcomitant neck and low back pain has constantly increased in the last two decades among adolescents, while single neck pain has only increased in the 1990s. Single low back pain has remained relatively constant. Thus, earlier detected increase in low back pain in the 1990s was explained by the increase in concomitant neck and low back pain. Differences in the time trends in the three pain conditions might suggest, at least partly, different risk factors and aetiology for single- and multisite spinal pain among adolescents. This hypothesis needs further investigations.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2474-15-296) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A community-based, cross-sectional study that is part of the prospective Korean Health and Genome Study. To determine the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) among middle-aged and elderly rural community residents in Korea and to examine the relevant risk factors, including activities reflecting the Asian lifestyle, and the relationship between radiographical features of degenerative changes in the lumbar spine and LBP. The prevalence and implication of LBP among the elderly, particularly Asians, are under-represented in previous reports. Data for LBP were collected for 4181 subjects from a rural farming community. The point and cumulative lifetime prevalences of LBP were obtained in addition to measurement of the severity of LBP. Lateral lumbar spine radiographs were obtained according to a standard protocol. The mean age of the study subjects was 56 years and 55% were women. The lifetime prevalence of LBP was 61.3%, with women having a higher prevalence. The point and 6-month prevalences were also higher among women. The lifetime, point, and 6-month prevalences increased with age in both sexes, except for lifetime prevalence in men. The prevalence of LBP of grade 3 or more was significantly higher in women and increased significantly with age, particularly in women. Both lifetime and point of prevalence of LBP were significantly associated with age, female sex, and time spent squatting. After adjusting for age and sex, the presence of disc space narrowing, osteophytes, and advanced Kellgren-Lawrence grade in lumbar radiograph was associated with LBP. The prevalence of LBP is comparable between these Korean community residents and other population groups. Risk factors associated with LBP included advanced age, female sex, squatting, the presence of osteophytes, joint space narrowing, and advanced Kellgren-Lawrence grading on lumbar radiograph.