Prevalence and Occupational Risk Factors of Low Back Pain Among Nurses at a Tertiary Hospital in Ogun State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63950/gshh.2025.1.2.16Keywords:
Low back pain, Nigeria, Nurses, Occupational Health, Prevalence, Risk factorsAbstract
Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability among healthcare workers globally, with nurses being particularly vulnerable due to the physical demands of their work. Despite substantial global evidence, limited data exist on the prevalence and occupational risk factors of LBP among Nigerian nurses. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, contributing factors, and perceived effects of LBP among clinical nurses at a tertiary hospital in Ogun State, Nigeria.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2023 among 188 clinical nurses at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta. Stratified random sampling was used, and data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were conducted using SPSS version 29.0 to explore associations between LBP and selected risk factors. Ethical approval was obtained from the FMCA Health Research Ethics Committee.
Results: The prevalence of LBP was 64.9%, with 70.7% reporting onset after joining the nursing profession. A significant proportion (77.7%) attributed their symptoms to patient lifting and movement. Risk factors significantly associated with LBP included high BMI, job stress, and working while fatigued (p < 0.05). LBP negatively impacted job performance, quality of life, and job satisfaction in more than half of the respondents.
Conclusion: LBP is highly prevalent among Nigerian nurses and is linked to modifiable occupational and ergonomic factors. Urgent interventions, including biannual ergonomic training, provision of lifting aids, and policy reforms addressing staffing and rest periods, are recommended to protect nurses' well-being and healthcare quality.
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The data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Onigbanjo RO, Olu-Abiodun OO (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
