MAGNITUDE OF LOW BACK PAIN AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG TEACHERS IN ASELLA TOWN, ARSI ZONE, OROMIA ETHIOPIA 2025 GC

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: - Low back pain (LBP) has been recognized 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, Low back pain is a widespread problem with a lifetime prevalence of more than 70% in developed countries. There is a gap in studies specifically focusing on teachers in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for LBP among primary, secondary and high school teachers Objective: The study investigate the Magnitude of low back pain (LBP) and associated factors among teachers in Asella town, Oromia, Ethiopia. Method and material: The study employed a cross-sectional design, conducted from April to May 2025 in Asella town. The target population includes all teachers working in Asella town. With Random sampling technique a sample size of 319 teachers were recruited. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire. Data analysis was including descriptive statistics to determine the magnitude of low back pain and describe the study population. Analytical statistics, including logistic regression, was used to assess associations between low back pain and risk factors. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Result: - Out of 319 respondents participated, resulting in a 100% response rate. The study found that 46.4% (95% CI 40.8–51.7%) of respondent have occurrence of low back pain. Factors independently associated with occurrence of low back pain included: The multivariable analysis sex (AOR = 2.119), age group (AOR = 0.186 for 30–40 years, p = 0.004; AOR = 0.823 for >40 years, p = 0.001), work shift (AOR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.40–1.13; p = 0.03) and work experience (AOR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.22–0.65; p = 0.001) are associated with low back pain. Conclusion: - Overall, the study revealed that low back pain (LBP) is relatively high among teachers in Asella Town and sex, age, work shift, and work experience were significantly associated with low back pain. Preventive measures should be in place to prevent and reduce the progression of LBP disability.