Prevalence of low back pain and associated risk factors in health workers of Bamenda health district-Cameroon

Abstract

Background Low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading musculoskeletal disorders and is a worldwide disabling occupational hazard. Its social and economic consequences are enormous. LBP is associated with multiple risk factors. Health workers seem to have higher rates of LBP compared to the general population. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of LBP in the health workers of the Bamenda health district. Methods We conducted a descriptive cross sectional hospital based study. A two months consecutive sampling was conducted and data collected using a self-administered questionnaire made of the following sections: socio-demographic characteristics, mental health factors, occupational factors, International physical activity questionnaire and LBP section of the Standardized Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. Variables with P Results We had 357 participants of whom 64.7% were females. Life time, annual and point prevalence were 83.5%, 75.9% and 36.1% respectively. We observed a high risk of LBP in higher level of care (aOR:2.927; CI:1.537–5.576; P: 0.001) and protective association with lower level of stress (aOR: 0.437; CI: 0.222–0.863; P: 0.017). Conclusion A high prevalence of LBP was observed among health workers in Bamenda health district. Higher level of health care was a risk factor whereas a lower stress level was protective.