Prevalence and factors associated with low back pain among health care workers in Nyamagana district, Mwanza

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition affecting workers and healthcare professionals globally, with an estimated 619 million people affected. This number is projected to rise to 843 million by 2050, a 36.4% increase. In Africa, LBP prevalence rates are estimated at 62%, but specific data on Tanzanian healthcare workers, particularly in Nyamagana District, is limited. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with LBP among healthcare professionals in Nyamagana District, Mwanza. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 334 healthcare workers in Nyamagana District, using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through a pretested questionnaire adapted from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic variables, and chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests compared categorical variables. Modified Poisson regression with robust error variance, adjusted for age, sex, and BMI, identified independent factors associated with LBP, with a p-value of ≤ 0.05 considered significant. Results: The point prevalence of LBP was 40.12% (95% CI: 35%-45%), and the annual prevalence was 44% (95% CI: 39%-49%). LBP was more prevalent among females (47.23%) and older age groups (36-45 years at 52.10% and >45 years at 51.52%). Significant factors associated with LBP included age (36-45 years: aPR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.09-1.29; >45 years: aPR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.09-1.31), female sex (aPR 1.16, 95% CI: 1.07-1.25), work experience of 10 years and above (aPR 1.22, 95% CI: 1.11-1.34), physically demanding tasks (aPR 1.12, 95% CI: 1.01-1.23), lack of supervisor’ support (aPR 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03-1.22), fatigue (aPR 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05-1.22), and stress (aPR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.00-1.32). Conclusion: Approximately 40.12% of healthcare workers in Nyamagana District experience LBP. Factors associated with increased risk of LBP include higher age groups, female sex, obesity, physically demanding tasks, lack of supervisors’ support, fatigue, and stress.