Assessment of the Associated Risk Factors of Chronic Low Back Pain among Bankers in Port Harcourt Metropolis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Asikiya Huldah Hanson *
Medical Laboratory Unit, Health Services Department, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Bieye Renner Briggs
Medicine Department, Health Services Department, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Working condition is a factor that does not only affect productivity but also the health of the workers.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate some of the associated risk factors of chronic low back pain among bank workers in Port Harcourt Metropolis of Rivers State in Nigeria.
Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional design. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on chronic back pain among the bank 313 workers.
Results: 165(52.7%) of the respondents have previously been treated for low back pain. They resorted to using different means of treatment for the pain; 24.8% (massage), 15% (exercise), 47.3% (drugs) 4.2% (surgery) and 8.5% (bed rest). 119 (38.1%) had a history of high blood pressure whereas 193 (61.9%) have not, 66 (21.2%) had a history of diabetes mellitus whereas 246 (78.8%) had not, 26 (8.3%) had sickle cell anemia whereas 286 (91.7%) do not, 55 (17.6%) had a history of convulsion whereas 257 (82.4%) do not, 93(29.8%) have had blood transfusion whereas 219 (70.2%) have not. The frequencies of chronic back pain bank workers and the associated risk factors were; road traffic accident 42 (22.7%), work-related stress (70.7%), use of computer 155 (84.7%), heavy lifting of equipment 83 (45.8%), and lack of exercise 55 (30.1%).
Conclusion: These findings show that some individuals having chronic back pain had some underlying conditions which could predispose them to have the pain.
Keywords: Back pain, chronic, bankers, body posture, Rivers State.