Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Low Back Pain among Hospital Cleaners in Resource Limited Settings: A Multi-Centered Cross- Sectional Study

Abstract

Molla Fentanew, Gashaw Jember, Mihret Dejen Takele, Kassahun Cherkos, Yimer Mamaye and Alemu Birara Zemariam

Background: Cleaners account for a significant portion of the total working population. The occurrences of low back pain are very common among workers which exacerbated by the job characteristics and it varies across numerous occupational categories. The long-term disability, decreased performance at work, lost productivity, and disturbance of general well-being are all caused by low back pain. To the best knowledge of the investigators, there is dearth of study conducted in hospital cleaners in the study area. Therefore, our study aimed to assess the prevalence of low back pain and associated factors among hospital cleaners in resource limited settings.

Method: A multi-centered cross-sectional study was conducted from July to November 2022. Data was gathered by conducting structured questionnaire via interview of the study participants by trained data collectors. The participants were chosen using a simple random sampling method. Data analysis was done by SPSS Version-20 statistical software. Both bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were computed. The chi-square test was checked to interpret the possible differences in the categorical variables based on dependent variables. Multicollinearity among the explanatory variables was checked using Variance Inflation Factor (VIF>10). The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test was used to assess the fitness of the model. And in the multivariable logistic regression analysis model the AOR with a P value of 0.05 at 95% CI was reported and variables were considered statistically significant.

Result: The findings of this study revealed that the prevalence of low back pain among cleaners in the study area was 46.4% (95%CI;41.2%-51.5%) during the last 12 months. Always bend and twist back (AOR:2.07,95%CI:1.86-5.03), Always Working above physical limit (AOR:3.59,95%CI:1.71-7.55) and always adapt awkward posture (AOR:2.91,95%CI:1.35-6.28) were all factors associated with low back pain among cleaners.

Conclusion: The prevalence of low back pain among cleaners in the study area was nearly half. Always bend and twist body part, working above physical limit and adapting an awkward posture were all significantly associated with low back pain in cleaners. Provide proper body mechanics for cleaners is helpful to reduce the risks for low back pain in hospital cleaners.

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