| dc.description.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. |
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