Risk Factors and Ergonomic Determinants of Low Back Pain in Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
LBP is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition affecting healthcare workers, impacting their productivity and well-being. This study aims to evaluate the risk factors and ergonomic determinants of LBP among healthcare workers in Lahore, Pakistan. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Lahore with 313 healthcare workers, including physicians, surgeons, nurses, and medical students. Participants were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. The study examined demographic factors, BMI, sleep, and working conditions such as work experience, working hours, and physical tasks associated with LBP. The lifetime prevalence of LBP among healthcare workers was 62.62%, with a point prevalence of 24%. Female gender, age > 30, marital status, and BMI > 25 were significantly associated with LBP. Prolonged working hours (> 35 h/week) and extended work experience (> 6 years) were significant ergonomic determinants of point prevalence LBP. Nurses and surgeons exhibited a near-significant association between continuous standing hours and LBP. LBP is a significant occupational health issue among healthcare workers in Lahore. Interventions focusing on ergonomic improvements, work schedule adjustments, and targeted health policies are essential to reduce LBP prevalence and its associated burdens. LBP was highly prevalent (62.62%) among healthcare workers in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Female gender, age > 30 years, marital status, and BMI > 25 were significantly associated with lifetime prevalence of LBP. Long working hours (> 35 h/week) and work experience > 6 years were key ergonomic risk factors for point prevalence of LBP. Job category was significantly associated with LBP, with physicians and surgeons more affected than medical students and nurses. Targeted ergonomic interventions and scheduling adjustments are urgently needed to reduce LBP and improve healthcare workforce well-being.