Low back-pain among school-teachers in Southern Tunisia: prevalence and predictors
Author:
Baklouti Mouna1, Ben Ayed Houda1, Ketata Nouha2, Maamri Hanen2, Karray Raouf2, Jdidi Jihene2, Mejdoub Yosra2, Kassis Mondher3, Yaich Sourour2, Dammak Jamel2
Affiliation:
1. Preventive Medicine and Hygiene Department , Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax , Sfax , Tunisia 2. Community Health and Epidemiology Department , Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax , Sfax , Tunisia 3. Preventive Medicine and Hygiene Department , Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Sfax , Sfax , Tunisia
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
In the professional environment, low back pain (LBP) is a multifactorial symptomatology, despite scientific and technological advances in the design and the arrangement of increasingly ergonomic workstations. Teachers are not exempt from this risk, due to prolonged sitting or standing. In light of this, this study aimed to estimate LBP prevalence among teachers in Southern Tunisia and to identify their determinants.
Methods
It was a cross-sectional study including a representative sample of teachers from secondary, middle, and primary schools in Sfax, Tunisia, conducted during the period March-April 2021. LBP intensity was assessed using a visual analog scale from 1 to 10. A severe LBP was defined as VAS≥7.
Results
Among the participants, 292 teachers were females (55.6 %). The median age was 48 years (Interquartile Range (IQR)=[41–53] years). Overall, 377 teachers had a severe LBP, with a global prevalence of 71.8 %. Multivariate analysis showed that independent determinants of LBP among teachers were female gender (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR)=2.81;p<0.001), age ≥30 (AOR=5.68;p=0.009), chronic diseases (AOR=2.52;p<0.001), working at primary schools (AOR=1.75;p=0.033), working for ≥4 h per day (AOR=2.41;p=0.005), inadequate ergonomic conditions at work (AOR=1.78;p=0.008) and distance home-school ≥10 km (AOR=2.27;p=0.003).
Conclusions
This study demonstrated that LBP among teachers was alarmingly high. Different individual, ergonomic, and occupational factors were predictors of this symptom. Thus, development of rational strategies for LBP prevention among teachers and the improvement of working conditions are urgently needed.
Publisher
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Subject
Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine,Neurology (clinical)
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