Prevalence of low back pain among working Ethiopian population: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background and objective Low back pain (LBP) as a musculoskeletal disorder remains a common health problem and is one of the most prevalent occupational injuries affecting adults living in both developed and developing countries. In order to increase the power and improve the estimates of the prevalence of LBP among working Ethiopian population, a comprehensive meta-analysis was carried out. Methods A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted in multiple international electronic bibliographic databases such as Web of Science, Pub Med, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Population-based Studies into the Prevalence of LBP among working population living in Ethiopia were included. Methodological quality for included studies was appraised using an adapted tool. Meta-analyses, Meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis were conducted. Funnel plot symmetry visualization followed by Beggs rank correlation and Eggers regression asymmetry test methods were performed to detect the existence of publication bias. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed by using the Cochrane Q and I2-statistics. Results In all 719 articles were identified and 13 articles with 6513 participants met the inclusion criteria for meta-analyses after filtering. The pooled point and twelve-month prevalence of LBP among working Ethiopian population was 49% (95% CI 40; 58) and 56% (95% CI 49; 62) respectively. Conclusion The results showed the high prevalence of LBP among working Ethiopian population, especially among Teachers. We believe that Prevention strategies addressing the early onset of LBP among working population would most likely be the answer to the burden of LBP on future economies in Ethiopia.

An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Living with Chronic Low Back Pain in Ethiopia

“…However, a few available studies show that LBP is a prevalent musculoskeletal health condition impacting the lives of people living with the condition. [18][19][20][21][22][23] For instance, a recent study conducted by Beyera et al shows that LBP interfered with several activities of daily living of people with the condition, including, sleep disturbance, lack of productivity and time off work. 23 The authors also reported several biopsychosocial factors such as older age, level of education, rural residence, depressive symptoms, and negative pain beliefs associated with chronicity of LBP in Ethiopia.…”

Prevalence and factors associated with low back pain among health care providers in public hospitals of Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia

“…12 Even though the literature on the prevalence of LBP has accumulated, studies have been limited to developed countries. 13 There is still limited information on LBP among health care providers in Ethiopia, especially concerning the risk factors. 12 Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the prevalence of LBP and associated factors among health care providers working in public hospitals in Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia.…”