Low Back Pain Among Primary School Teachers In AL-Mukalla District

Abstract

Background: More than 80% of the world population will experience an episode of Low back pain
(LBP) at some point during their life. It creates a
substantial personal, community and financial burden globally. The objective of this study was to
determine the prevalence of LBP and associated
factors among primary school teachers in AL-Mukalla district.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of primary school teachers was
conducted. A total of 420 teachers were recruited
using a validated self-administered questionnaire.
Results: The results of this study showed that the
prevalence of LBP was 52.6%. LBP in female
teachers is significantly higher than male teachers
(57% &41.3% respectively, P-value <0.005). LBP
is more common (58%) in the age group (30-40
years). LBP is significantly higher in overweight
(62%, P-value < 0.01), married people (56%,
P-value < 0.02)and among those who don’t exercise(56%, P-value < 0.01), teachers who spent
more than 10 years in teaching (60%, P-value <
0.02) and teachers of public schools (57%, P-value < 0.01). LBP was significantly higher among
teachers complaining from teaching-related physical activity (87%, P-value <0.001), anxiety & other psycho-social stressors (49%, P-value <.03).
ConClusion & Recommendations: LBP is a
common health problem among primary schools
teachers in AL-Mukalla. This study highlights
the need to increase the care of teachers’ health &
well-being from the government, media and teachers’ unions.