Prevalence and risk factors of low back pain among nurses in a typical Nigerian hospital.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of LBP among nurses in a typical Nigerian Specialist Hospital.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for LBP among nurses in a typical Nigerian Hospital. A department-to-department enquiry was conducted using a self structured valid and reliable questionnaire.


RESULTS
Four hundred and eight respondents (148 [36.27%] males and 260 [63.73%] females) participated in the study. The 12 month prevalence of LBP was 300 (73.53%). LBP was more prevalent among female nurses (68%) than the male nurses (32%). It was also associated with occupational hazard and poor knowledge of back care ergonomics. The prevalence of LBP in MMSH is comparable to levels recorded abroad. However, in this study LBP did not feature as a major cause of sickness absence in the work place


CONCLUSIONS
It was concluded that poor back care ergonomics is the major predisposing factor of LBP.
Sikiru
L
L
Department of Biomedical Technology, Federal University of Technology, Nigeria. siklam_86@yahoo.co.uk
Hanifa
S
S
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
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