Abstract:
Abstract
Background:- Low-back pain is one of the most common work-related health problem among
public office workers. It affects the individual’s quality of life and create a burden in the health
system and affects the productivity of their institution and the country at large. However, a little
is known about the nature and extent of low back pain, which inhibits efforts to address the
problem among public office workers in Ethiopia.
Objectives:- This study was aimed to assess the magnitude and factors associated with low-back
pain among public office workers in Dangla District in Awi zone, Northwest Ethiopia 2021.
Methods:- An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2021
among public office workers in Dangla District . The sampling frame was obtained from public
office and simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data was
collected using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire adapted from Standardized Nordic
musculoskeletal Questionnaires. Data was coded and entered into Epi data versions 4.6 and
analyzed using Stata version 16. Binary logistic regression model was used to model variables.
In bi-variable analysis variables with p<0.20 were fitted into the multivariable logistic model to
identify factors associated with low back pain. Statistical significance was decided by the
p<0.05.
Result:- One-year magnitude of low-back pain among public office workers was 34.56 %
[95%CI:(30.73-38.37)] and one-week magnitude was 22.87% [95%CI:(19.54-24.37)]. Higher
age, [AOR=3.18(95%Cl:(1.8-5.62)], longer work experience[AOR=2.26(95%Cl:(1.36-3.77)]
lack of physical exercise, [AOR=8.85(95%Cl:(4.36-17.9)] and none use of computer frequently,
[AOR=0.62(95%Cl(0.41-0.94)] were significantly associated with low back pain.
Conclusion:-The magnitude of low-back pain among public office workers in Dangla District
was relatively low as compared to other studies. Higher age, longer work experience, lack of
physical exercise and none use of computer frequently were significantly associated with low
back pain. Therefore, addressing work-related and behavioral factors is essential to reduce the
burden of the problem.
Key words:- Low back pain, magnitude, office worker, Dangla District, Awi zone
