Prevalence and risk factors of low back pain among Taif surgeons

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common complaints, especially among healthcare workers, with great impact on daily lifestyle and job performance regarding disability and absence. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of LBP among surgeons of different specialties in Taif city, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study among surgeons in Taif city randomly selected from the three major hospitals in the city, using a self-administered questionnaire of 41 items divided into three parts including demographic data, individual and occupational characteristics, and prevalence data. Results: The prevalence data of LBP were point prevalence of 28 (20.3%), last month prevalence of 67 (48.6%), last year prevalence of 91 (65.9%), and lifetime prevalence of 101 (73.2%). Some of the investigated individual and occupational characteristics associated with the prevalence of LBP with a statistically significant (P 0.05) such as age, gender, body mass index, and job satisfaction. Rest and painkillers are the best option for most of the affected surgeons to relieve the pain. Conclusion: LBP has a high prevalence in the healthcare field, and the results of this study show high prevalence among surgeons, with many avoidable risk factors. Recommendations: More studies must be conducted and planning educational programs and campaigns to reduce the magnitude of this problem