The Prevalence and Impact of Low Back Pain Among Anaesthesia Care Providers in South-South, Nigeria

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder, that significantly impedes productivity. This study aims to ascertain the risk factors responsible for developing low back pain and the impact on personal workplace service delivery among Anaesthetists practising in Rivers and Bayelsa States of Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted, A self-administered questionnaire reflecting the modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to detect the risk factors and assess the severity and impact of low back pain on this group of professionals. The prevalence of low back pain was calculated and described by using frequency tables. A multivariate logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with the prevalence of low back pain. Significance was considered at p<0.05 with a 95% confidence interval.

Results: A total of 65 anaesthetists responded, giving a response rate of 90%. There were more males (52.3%) than females (47.7%). Majority (69.2%) of those who responded had low back pain, more in females (53.3%) compared to males (46.7%) although not significant.(P=0.994);56.8% had moderate pain, mild (20.5%) and severe (22.7%). There was no association between low back pain and age (P=0.130), gender(P=0.994), marital status (P=0.333) and BMI (P=0.164). Bending (P=0.032), lifting (P=0.024), and standing (P=0.016) were predictive variables for low back pain and were statistically significant P<0.05.

Conclusion: Using the Oswestry pain assessment tool for LBP, the estimated prevalence of low back pain was more than fifty percent among the respondents. In this study, frequent bending and twisting, prolonged standing, and lifting were important significant associated factors in the development of LBP among anaesthetists.