Low back pain among school teachers in Botswana, prevalence and risk factors

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough low back pain (LBP) represents a common occupational problem, few epidemiological studies have investigated the prevalence and risk factors for LBP among school teachers, particularly in Africa. School teachers are known to represent an occupational group among which there appears to be a high prevalence of LBP. The objective of this study was, therefore, to conduct one of the first epidemiological investigations of LBP among teachers in Botswana.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among teachers in Botswana using self-administered questionnaires which were distributed to 3100 randomly selected school teachers and collected over a five-month period between July and November 2012. The questionnaire included low back pain information, demographic data, lifestyle, work-related characteristics and psychosocial factors. Data were analysed using Chi-squared and logistic regression models. The 12 month prevalence and LBP disability and associated risk factors were also analysed.ResultsA total of 1747 teachers returned completed questionnaires, yielding a response rate of 56.3%. The 12-month prevalence of LBP was 55.7%, with 67.1% of them reporting minimal disability. The results of logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender [OR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.14-2.00] and previous back injury [OR: 9.67, 95% CI: 4.94-18.93] were positively correlated to LBP. Awkward arm position [OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.24-2.62] and high psychological job demands [OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.02-1.93] were also significantly associated with LBP. Regular physical exercise was negatively associated with LBP [OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.43-0.93]. Female gender [OR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.52-3.99] and previous back injury [OR: 3.01, 95% CI: 1.92-4.74] were also positively associated with LBP disability.ConclusionThe prevalence of LBP appears to be high among school teachers in Botswana. A wide variety of LBP risk factors were identified in this study. Female gender and previous injury were both associated with LBP presence and disability. The complex nature of LBP risk factors found in this study suggests than no single specific preventative or intervention strategy will help in reducing these conditions. As such, to help reduce the prevalence, progression and burden of LBP among Botswana teachers, a greater emphasis should now be placed on ergonomics education, regular physical exercise and occupational stress.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2474-15-359) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Associated Risk Factors Among High School Teachers in Kerman, Iran

“…5 This study has revealed that female 78% and male 57.5% reported with the prevalence of LBP. Low back problem in the current study was more than that in Saudi 63.8%, 9 Botswana 55.7%, 14 Turkish teachers 74.9%, 11 Iranian teachers in a previous study 39 and in another Turkish study 51.4%, 31 China 40.0%, 26 France 34.8% 34 and Japan 20.6%. 43 The results of this part of study were relatively lower than Slovenian physical education 84.0%.…”

“…The findings of this study showed that 78% of the teachers reported prevalence of LBP. Results of this part of the current study are more than some developing countries such as Filipino 53.3%, 3 Botswana 55.7% 14 and Ethiopian 53.8%. 5 This study has revealed that female 78% and male 57.5% reported with the prevalence of LBP.…”

“…2 LBP represents one of the leading causes of workrelated musculoskeletal morbidity. 14 For several decades, LBP has been recognized as a major cause of sickness absence and disability among many occupational populations. Teachers stand out among these groups.…”

Occupational lumbar back accidents in the private sector: prevalence and factors associated with their severity and sequelae in central Tunisia

“…La survenue des ATL chez les sujets relativement âgés a été expliquée par la modification de la structure et des capacités fonctionnelles du disque intervertébral ainsi que par la diminution progressive de la masse musculaire lombaire et la perte d'élasticité tissulaire avec l'âge (17). Par ailleurs, la prédominance masculine a été attribuée en partie à la nature des tâches exigeant une force musculaire, habituellement confiées aux hommes.…”

Some of the Pain Features at the Bottom of the Back

“…Кроме того, исследования также показали, что профессиональные факторы связаны с развитием БНЧС [28][29][30]. Было отме-чено, что сидячие или офисные работники в школах, больницах и вооруженных силах имеют высокую распро-страненность БНЧС [31][32][33].…”