LOW BACK PAIN

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a global health challenge with a lifetime prevalence of 60-85%, being the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide and significantly affecting African populations, including Nigeria. Physiotherapy is a crucial non-invasive treatment option for LBP management, offering various evidence-based interventions including exercise therapy, manual therapy, and electrotherapy. Nigeria's healthcare system faces significant challenges, with over 70% of healthcare expenses paid through out-of-pocket (OOP) payments due to limited insurance coverage and underfunding. This study aims to examine the out-of-pocket expenditures on physiotherapy for LBP in Benin City, Edo State, and its implications for healthcare access and policy. Method: A cross-sectional study design was used recruiting 99 participants. A non- probability purposive sampling technique was used to recruit participants. The sample size was determined using an online calculator with an 80% confidence level. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires, with ethical approval obtained from UBTH’s Medical Advisory Committee. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.0, employing descriptive statistics (mean, frequency, standard deviation) and chi-square test of independence, with significance level set at p<0.05. Result: The study involved 99 participants, predominantly female (58.6%), married (83.8%), and businesspersons (35.3%), with a mean age of 63.65 ± 17.59 years and 27.56 ± 9.72 years of work experience. The average total out-of-pocket expenditure was ₦127,527.58 ± 18,712.44, comprising direct medical costs (₦72,363.64 ± 15,048.53), direct non-medical costs (₦20,315.45 ± 6,006.12), and indirect costs (₦34,848.48 ± 8,638.26). Disability levels were moderate, with mean scores of 31.08 ± 2.61 (Oswestry Disability Index) and 31.06 ± 2.07 (Rolland Morris Disability Questionnaire). Gender comparisons showed females had slightly higher expenditures (₦130,051.72 ± 18,924.06) than males (₦123,956.83 ± 18,034.77), but differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study highlights the substantial economic burden of managing low back pain in tertiary healthcare facilities in Benin City, Edo State, with significant out-of-pocket expenditures for both direct and indirect costs. Despite these challenges, no significant gender differences in costs were observed.

Background/Aim: Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal problem during pregnancy, often contributing to functional limitations and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of low back pain, identify associated risk factors and assess its impact on functional activities among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at UBTH. Data were collected using a structured selfadministered questionnaire comprising sociodemographic information, obstetric history, potential risk factors, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) to assess functional limitation. Descriptive VWDWLVWLFV VXPPDUL]HG SDUWLFLSDQWV¶ VRFLRGHPRJUDSKLF GDWD ZKLOH LQIHUHQWLDO statistics (Chi-square tests) examined associations between LBP and potential risk factors. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of low back pain among the study population was 58% in the last 7 days, indicating a moderate occurrence during pregnancy. The risk factors associated with LBP were prolonged standing, physically demanding work, poor ergonomic postures, stress frequency and the feeling of anxiety (p < 0.05). The majority of participants experienced mild to moderate disability as measured by the ODI. Conclusion: Low back pain is prevalent among pregnant women at UBTH and is influenced by multiple physical and occupational factors. The condition moderately affects functional activities and daily living. Awareness, early physiotherapy intervention and ergonomic education during antenatal care are recommended to minimize its impact.

Background: Spinal pain (SP), encompassing low back, neck, and upper back discomfort, is a prevalent musculoskeletal problem among healthcare professionals and students. Clinical postings expose Basic Medical Sciences students to physically demanding tasks such as prolonged standing, awkward postures, and repetitive patient handling, predisposing them to SP. Despite its burden, limited research has examined its prevalence and associated factors among students across different health disciplines in Nigeria. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, pattern, contributing factors, coping strategies, and functional limitations related to spinal pain among Basic Medical Sciences students during clinical postings at the University of Benin. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 351 students from Physiotherapy, Nursing, Radiography, and Medical Laboratory Science departments. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included sociodemographic characteristics, spinal pain prevalence (12-month and 7-day recall), and the Spinal Functional Index (SFI). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The 12-month prevalence of lower back pain, upper back pain, and neck pain was 51.9%, 12.5%, and 21.4%, respectively. Within the past 7 days, prevalence rates were 42.2%, 14.8%, and 17.1%. Physiotherapy and Nursing students reported the highest occurrence of spinal pain. Although 20.5% of respondents sought medical care or missed activities due to pain, most reported mild functional limitations (mean SFI = 4.57 ± 2.78). There was no significant relationship between age and functional limitation (r = –0.028, p = 0.597), or between posting hours and functional limitation (r = 0.104, p = 0.052). Gender showed no significant association with spinal pain prevalence. Conclusion: Spinal pain is highly prevalent among Basic Medical Sciences students during clinical postings, particularly among those in physiotherapy and nursing. The findings underscore the need for ergonomic education, workload management, and institutional policies that prioritize student musculoskeletal health. Keywords: Spinal pain, Basic Medical Sciences students, clinical postings, ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders. Low back pain, University of Benin.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of occupational disability worldwide, particularly among manual laborers such as bricklayers who are frequently exposed to physical stressors like lifting, bending, and awkward postures. Despite its impact on productivity and health, there is limited local data on LBP among bricklayers in Egor Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 222 active bricklayers in Egor LGA using a structured, validated questionnaire adapted from the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Descriptive statistics summarized prevalence data, while Chi-square tests and logistic regression were applied to determine associations between LBP and occupational/personal factors at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Findings revealed that the 12-month prevalence of LBP among bricklayers was high. Significant occupational factors associated with LBP included prolonged bending, lifting heavy materials, poor posture, and long working hours. Personal factors such as age, smoking, and elevated body mass index (BMI) also contributed significantly. The majority of affected workers reported recurrent pain episodes that interfered with daily work performance and overall well-being. Conclusion: The prevalence of LBP among bricklayers in Egor LGA is substantial and largely attributable to preventable ergonomic and behavioral factors. Strengthening ergonomic education, enforcing rest breaks, and promoting the use of mechanical aids can reduce the burden of LBP and enhance worker productivity.

BACKGROUND OF STUDY: The concept of low back pain has attracted interest due to its prevalence and association with quality of life . Despite it recognition, there is still a lack of understanding regarding correlation between physical activity level and their preferences with patients experiencing non- specific low back pain in University of Benin Teaching Hospital and Military Hospital, Benin.. Aim(s): The aim of this study is to ascertain the physical activity of patients with non- specific LBP and also to determine the correlate of their physical activity preference and identify the impact of physical activity preference on their level of physical activity. Methodology: A cross sectional study of 64 patients with non-specific low back pain participated in this study. Instruments such as the Liangjin measuring tape, mechanical weighing scale, and Life Care Centers of America retractable body measuring tape were employed to measure the respondents' height (in meters), weight (in kilograms), and waist and hip
circumferences (in meters) respectively. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and a questionnaire on the selection of 13 leisure-time sports and physical activity were used to assess physical activity and Physical activity
preferences respectively. Visual analog scale (VAS) was use for pain rating. Data analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics, with the significance level set at p<0.05. Results: The study’s findings revealed that the most preferred physical activity among the respondents was walking (56.3%). Cycling was the most prevalent second of choice (26.6%). Running was the most prevalent third activity of choice (18.8%). The least preferred activity III was korfball. A considerable portion (60.9%) of the respondents exhibited a high degree of physical activity , (18.8%) demonstrated minimal active while (20.3%) were physically inactive. Notably, a significant connection was observed between physical activity preferences and level of physical activity ( x 2=9.37, p=0.900), (x2=25.025, p=0.200), (x2=16.936, p=0.767) were the physical activity level and the first, second and third preferred physical activity respectively. The least preferred physical activity (x2=26.613, p=0.087). CONCLUSION: The result of this study indicated that patient with non-specific low back pain had walking as the most preferred physical activity, cycling and running are the second and third most preferred physical activity receptively, the least preferred activity was korfball. The study also reported that there is no significant association between physical activity preferences and the level of physical activity among patients experiencing non-specific low back pain. keywords: Non-specific low back pain, Physical activity preferences