Prevalence and associated factors of low back pain in an urban Nigerian community

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Low Back Pain (LBP) constitutes a public health problem as almost every individual is expected to experience LBP at least once during their lifetime. OBJECTIVE: This study is done to determine the prevalence of LBP and associated factors in an urban Nigerian community. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This cross-sectional household survey randomly selected 741 subjects using a 4-stage sampling technique. Data were obtained through a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Association between categorical variables and LBP was analyzed using the Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression model (α=0.05). RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 41.32 ± 15.24 years. The point, annual, and lifetime prevalence of LBP were 31.2%, 61.1%, and 70.6% respectively. Aged 40 years and above (p=0.006), being an artisan (p=0.005) or trader (p=0.007) compared to being an office worker (p=0.071), and continuously sitting more than 3 to 4 hours (p<0.001) are factors significantly associated with LBP. Others are transport duration to/from work more than or equal to 30 minutes (p<0.001), computer use (p<0.001), trauma history (p=0.045), never attending a health talk on back care (p<0.001), tobacco smoking history (p=0.006) and having an occasional (p=0.002) or no exercise routine (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: LBP is common among individuals in the study area with a point, annual, and lifetime prevalence of 31.2%, 61.1%, and 70.6% respectively. Interventions on LBP prevention should target correction of identified modifiable associated factors such as poor posture, physical inactivity and lack of information on LBP.