الوقاية والأرغنوميا
Volume 12, Numéro 2, Pages 33-41
2018-09-10

The Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Low Back Pain Among Nurses In Africa: Nigerian And Ethiopian Specialized Hospital Survey Study

Authors : Lamina Sikiru . Hanif Shmaila . Amaeze Austin A . Subramania Makesh-babu .

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of low back pain (LBP) among nurses in two typical African Specialized Hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed and used to determine the prevalence and risk factors for LBP among nurses in a typical Nigerian (Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital [MMSH]) and Ethiopian (Jimma University Specialized Hospital [JUSH]) Specialized Hospitals. A department-to-department enquiry was conducted using a self-structured valid and reliable questionnaire. Simple percentage (%) and Chi square were used to analyze variables of interest. Results: Five hundred and eight respondents (178 [35%] males and 330 [65%] females) participated in the study. The 12-month prevalence of low back pain (LBP) was 360 (70.87%). LBP was more prevalent among female nurses (67.5%) than the male nurses (32.5%). It was also associated with occupational hazard and poor knowledge of back care ergonomics. The prevalence of LBP was highest among nurses in Obstetrics and Genecology Unit (26.67%) and least among tutors (4.17%). There was no significant difference between Nigeria and Ethiopia nurses’ response in the ethology of LBP. However, there was a significant association between gender, knowledge of back-care ergonomics and prevalence of LBP at p< 0.05. The prevalence of LBP at MMSH (Nigeria) and JUSH (Ethiopia) is comparable to levels recorded outside Africa. However, in this study, LBP did not feature as a major cause of sickness absence in the work place contrary to those reported outside Africa. Conclusion: It was concluded that poor back care ergonomics, duty stress and unavailability of lifting equipments are the major predisposing factors of LBP among nurses in Africa.

Keywords

Low back pain; Nurses; Ergonomics; Nigeria; Ethiopia.