Risk Factors of Low Back Pain in Adults Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Uyo, Nigeria

Background: Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder. However, there is very little information about low back pain in developing Countries. This study aimed at identifying sociodemographic and lifestyle risk factors for low back pain in adults attending the General Outpatient Clinic of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was utilized. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from 400 consenting adults aged 18 years and above, attending the General Out-patient Clinic of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital from May 2011 to July 2011. The data obtained were analysed using Epi Info statistical software version 3.2.2. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 38 +/- 14.2 years. There were 176 males and 224 females with a ratio of 1: 1.3. The period prevalence of low back pain was 31%. Statistically significant risk factors were: age (x(2) = 103.3, p < 0.0001), educational status (x(2) = 13.82, p = 0.0002), marital status (x(2) = 25.72, p < 0.0001), place of residence (x(2) = 6.04, p = 0.01), alcohol consumption (x(2) = 11.96, p = 0.0005), cigarette smoking (x(2) = 10.02, p = 0.0015) and high body mass index [BMI] (X-2 = 120.29, p < 0.0001). Gender was not statistically significant (X-2 = 1.96, p = 0.16). Conclusion: This study showed that an active age-group, low educational status, being married, rural residence, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking and a high BMI were associated with low back pain. Health education on the risk factors of low back pain and the need for lifestyle modification should be encouraged among the populace especially in rural settings.