Assessment of the Associated Risk Factors of Chronic Low Back Pain among Bankers in Port Harcourt Metropolis: A Cross-Sectional Study

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.