Work

Prevalence of and factors associated with low back pain among construction workers in Mogadishu, Somalia

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability, particularly in labor-intensive industries. While biomechanical hazards are well-documented in developed nations, epidemiological data from unregulated construction sectors in post-conflict regions remains extremely scarce. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and identify factors associated with LBP among manual construction workers in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods: An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted among 191 manual workers recruited via stratified random sampling from five major construction companies. Data were collected using a culturally-adapted Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to assess socio-demographic, lifestyle, and occupational exposures. We utilized a multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression model, accounting for clustering by company, to identify independent associated factors. Results are reported as adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The workforce was notably young (median age = 26 years), registering an LBP period prevalence of 51.9% (95% CI: 43.5-60.3%). In the adjusted analysis, income status was the strongest predictor, with workers living below extreme poverty facing elevated odds of LBP (AOR = 7.60; 95% CI: 2.48-23.28). Other factors significantly associated included possessing over six years of work experience (AOR = 4.85; 95% CI: 1.56-15.11), being underweight (AOR = 5.22; 95% CI: 1.24-21.94), tobacco use (AOR = 5.70; 95% CI: 1.94-16.78), and inadequate sleep duration of fewer than six hours (AOR = 4.11; 95% CI: 1.28-13.24). Biomechanically, frequency of heavy lifting (AOR = 4.29; 95% CI: 1.26-14.56) and bending (AOR = 5.35; 95% CI: 1.33-21.45) were strongly associated with reporting LBP. Conclusion: LBP is highly prevalent among construction workers in Mogadishu. The factors associated with LBP were extreme poverty, inadequate physiological tissue recovery, and severe biomechanical overload. Mitigating this crisis requires site-level ergonomic interventions, such as team-lifting protocols, alongside overarching policies that establish baseline wages to address foundational socioeconomic hazards.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1978211

Authors: Abdikani Yasin Haji Ali, Kellen J. Karimi, Marshal M. Mweu

Institution: University of Nairobi

Language: English

Topic: Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation

Subfield: Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities, No poverty

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801