title: Job-related risk factors for low back pain in adults attending a tertiary hospital in Uyo, Nigeria.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder. However, there is very little information about low back pain in the general population in developing Countries. This study was aimed at identifying the job-related risk factors for low back pain in adults attending the General Out-patient Clinic of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study design was utilized. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from Four Hundred (400) consenting adults aged 18 years and above, attending the General Out-patient Clinic of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital from May 2011 to July 2011. The data obtained was analyzed using Epi Info statistical software version 3.2.2.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age of the subjects was 38 ± 14.2 years. There were 176 male subjects and 224 female subjects in ratio 1:1.3. The prevalence of low back pain was 31%. Statistically significant job-related risk factors were heavy lifting activity (Χ2 = 27.52, P = 0.0001) and stressful jobs (Χ2 = 29.57. P < 0.0001). Low job satisfaction (Χ2 = 1.22, P = 0.26) and prolonged sitting or bending (Χ2 = 0.28, P = 0.50) were not statistically significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study showed that stressful jobs, and jobs involving heavy lifting activity are significantly associated with low back pain. Health education on proper lifting techniques and the reduction of stress at work should be encouraged.
authors: A C
authors: AC
authors: Jiman
authors: E A
authors: EA
authors: Etukumana
authors: I A
authors: IA
authors: Ukot
authors: S B
authors: SB
authors: Udoh
authors: S O
authors: SO
authors: Akinbami
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D062606:Tertiary Care Centers