Journal of Occupational Health and Epidemiology

en Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Associated Factors among Bank Staff in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (2024) Occupational Health Original Article <div style="text-align: justify;">Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Bank staff are at increased risk due to exposure to ergonomic hazards. In Tanzania, data on the burden of LBP among this group are limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of LBP and its associated factors among bank staff. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in 2024 among employees of a private bank in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected via an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Associations between LBP and predictor variables were assessed using multivariable modified Poisson regression models. Results: A total of 420 participants were included. The median age was 39 years, with 56.9% being female. The 12-month prevalence of LBP was 78.3%. Factors significantly linked to LBP included older age (aPR=1.18;95% CI:1.06–1.32) and being overweight/obese (aPR=1.07;95% CI:1.01–1.14). Other predictors included longer working hours, limited breaks, uncomfortable workstations, lack of physical activity, and prolonged sitting (aPR range:1.13–1.40). Protective factors included alternating between sitting and standing, access to ergonomic equipment, and walking to or from work (aPR range: 0.54–0.91). Negative perceptions of work environment were also significantly correlated with LBP (aPR range: 1.09–1.24). Conclusions: LBP is highly prevalent among bank staff and is affected by several factors, including sociodemographic, psychosocial, ergonomic, and lifestyle factors. Workplace interventions targeting these factors, such as providing ergonomic workstations, promoting physical activity, and addressing workplace stress, could help lower LBP as well as enhance employee health and productivity.</div> Ergonomics,Low Back Pain,Occupational Health,Musculoskeletal Disorders, 186 193 http://johe.rums.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-966-1&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Reinfrida C. Chepe reinfridacharles@yahoo.com 22400319475328460013157 22400319475328460013157 No Doctor of Medicine, M.Sc. in Public Health, Dept. of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences Hussein H. Mwanga mwangahh@gmail.com 22400319475328460013158 22400319475328460013158 Yes Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences Zuhura I. Kimera zuhurakimera@gmail.com 22400319475328460013159 22400319475328460013159 No Lecturer, Dept. of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences Ezra J. Mrema ezrajm@yahoo.com 22400319475328460013160 22400319475328460013160 No Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences