Prevalence and Management Practices of Low Back Pain Among Commercial Motorcyclists in Ilesa Southwest, Nigeria

Abstract

Commercial motorcycling is fast becoming a recognised occupational group especially among the young people in Nigeria. Work-related Low back pain (LBP) may not be uncommon among them. This study assessed the prevalence and management practices of Low back pain among commercial motorcyclists in Ilesa Southwest, Nigeria. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the required study subjects. Quantitative data collection method was employed. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0. All the 393 respondents were male, 64.1% had secondary education. The mean age of respondent was 31.3 (SD±4.5) years and the mean monthly income was 22,400 (SD±10,700) Nigerian naira. Fifty-four percent were full-time commercial motorcyclist. About 41% reported ever having LBP while 23% had LBP in the last 7 days prior to the study. Only 5.9% had ever been hospitalised because of LBP. Statistically, significant association exist between LBP and age of respondent (p<0.001), the length of years as a commercial motorcyclist (p<0.016), sitting position on the motorcycle and working full time as a commercial motorcyclist (p<0.001). This study concluded that LBP is prevalent among commercial motorcyclist. There is a need for enlightenment programmes on how to avoid or possibly reduce the risk of LBP.