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389459

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Low Back Pain among Physicians in Egypt

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Last updated: 03 Jan 2025

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Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal issue among healthcare workers, particularly physicians, due to the physical demands of patient care, including prolonged standing and lifting. While, LBP is well-researched globally, data on its prevalence and risk factors among Egyptian physicians is limited. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of LBP among physicians in Egypt and identify the personal and work-related factors associated with it. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 physicians in Egypt using a self-administered questionnaire covering personal characteristics, LBP history, and work-related factors. A total of 240 valid responses were analyzed. Prevalence and associations with risk factors were determined through statistical tests, including Chi-square and logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of LBP was 82.5%, with females (86.2%) experiencing higher rates than males (75.3%, p = 0.048). Younger physicians (mean age 39.4 ± 10.5 years) reported more LBP than older ones (p = 0.044). Physicians outside metropolitan Cairo had a higher prevalence of LBP (p = 0.035). Work-related factors such as prolonged standing (p = 0.021) and frequent bending (p = 0.017) were significantly associated with LBP, while sustained sitting was protective (p = 0.034). Of the participants, 64.3% showed treatment, and 13.3% took sick leave due to LBP. Conclusion: LBP was highly prevalent among Egyptian physicians, particularly females, younger doctors, and those working outside metropolitan Cairo. Improving workplace ergonomics may reduce LBP's impact and enhance physicians' health and productivity.  

DOI

10.21608/ejhm.2024.389459

Keywords

Low back pain, Musculoskeletal disorders, Physicians, prevalence, Egypt, Healthcare workers

Volume

97

Article Issue

1

Related Issue

50804

Issue Date

2024-10-01

Receive Date

2024-10-28

Publish Date

2024-10-01

Page Start

3,780

Page End

3,787

Print ISSN

1687-2002

Online ISSN

2090-7125

Link

https://ejhm.journals.ekb.eg/article_389459.html

Detail API

https://ejhm.journals.ekb.eg/service?article_code=389459

Order

54

Type

Original Article

Type Code

606

Publication Type

Journal

Publication Title

The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine

Publication Link

https://ejhm.journals.ekb.eg/

MainTitle

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Low Back Pain among Physicians in Egypt

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Article

Created At

24 Dec 2024