LOW BACK PAIN

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