Work

Low back pain among primary school teachers in Rural Kenya: Prevalence and contributing factors

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) has been recognised as a common occupational problem with a high prevalence among work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Although there appears to be a high prevalence of LBP among school teachers, there is inadequate information on the prevalence and predisposing factors of LBP among primary school teachers in rural Western Kenya. AIM: To determine the prevalence, factors associated with LBP and physical disability caused by LBP. SETTING: The setting was public schools in rural Western Kenya selected by simple random sampling method. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among primary teachers from public schools using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included information on LBP, demographic data, occupational and psychosocial factors and disability score. The 12-month prevalence, associated factors and LBP disability were analysed. RESULTS: The 12-month self-reported prevalence of LBP among primary teachers was 64.98%, with close to 70% of them reporting minimal disability. The logistic regression analysis showed that female gender (odds ratio [OR]: 1.692, p < 0.02) was associated with LBP and high supervisor support (OR: 0.46, p < 0.003) was negatively associated with LBP. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of LBP among primary school teachers in rural Western Kenya is 64.98%, with the majority of them reporting minimal disability. The identified risk factors were female gender and low supervisor support. The presence of work-related psychosocial risk factors in this study suggests a comprehensive approach in evaluation and management of LBP. Preventive measures should be in place to prevent and reduce the progression of LBP disability.

Source: African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine

DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v11i1.1819

Authors: Hussein E. Elias, Raymond Downing, Ann Mwangi

Institution: Moi University

Language: English

Topic: Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation

Subfield: Pharmacology (medical)

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth, Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $567