Prevalence and associated risk factors for low-back pain among rehabilitation professionals in Rwanda
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Background
Rehabilitation professionals are at risk of low back pain (LBP) due to the nature of their work, which involves physical stress and awkward positioning during work. The risk factors associated with LBP can include patient transfers, repetitive tasks, lifting heavy equipment or patients.
Objective
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for low back pain among rehabilitation professionals.
Methods
A cross-sectional quantitative study design employing a census sampling method was utilized in this study. A total of 274 individuals were invited to participate in this study through a Google Form questionnaire distributed via email and WhatsApp. Between January 22 nd and April 27 th , 2025, 174 respondents, representing a response rate of 63.87% successfully completed the online questionnaire. These participants, all of whom work in hospital settings across Rwanda, comprised the final sample for the study. Using the Modified Nordic Questionnaire, data on different measures of LBP and risk factors were collected. The data analysis was conducted using statistical software package of IBM SPSS Statistics Version 21. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the significant predictors of LBP.
Results
Among 174 participants, 78.2% reported experiencing LBP in the past year, with most cases being mild 60(34.5%) and 64(36.8%) moderate LBP. Despite this, 74.7% missed no more than three workdays annually due to LBP, and only 12.6% requested sick leave. Additionally, 26.4% said that LBP interfered with their ability to perform usual home tasks. Lifting heavy objects or patients (OR=3.152, CI=1.324-7.506, p=0.009) and physical stress (OR = 6.583, CI=2.109-20.550, p=0.009) remained statistically significant predicators, with participants engaged in these activities more likely to report LBP.
Conclusion
Low back pain was prevalent among rehabilitation professionals in Rwanda, predominantly with mild to moderate severity. Although LBP caused limited absenteeism, it interfered with daily activities for a large proportion. Lifting heavy objects and physical stress emerged as significant predictors of LBP, emphasising the need for workplace ergonomic interventions and strategies to reduce physical strain.
