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Prevalence of low back pain among undergraduate physiotherapy students in Nigeria

Prevalence of low back pain among undergraduate physiotherapy students in Nigeria Prevalence of low back pain among undergraduate physiotherapy students in Nigeria
Prevalence of low back pain among undergraduate physiotherapy students in Nigeria Prevalence of low back pain among undergraduate physiotherapy students in Nigeria

Low back pain (LBP) is a major cause of disability and the most common work-related musculoskeletal disorder among physiotherapists. 

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Key take away

An interesting fact regarding frequency of low back pain (LBP) among physiotherapy students in this study was associated with potentially modifiable factors suggesting the possibility of LBP prevention among the students. Also, the physiotherapy students are exposed to similar LBP risk factors as physiotherapy practitioners although possibly at a lower frequency.

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is a major cause of disability and the most common work-related musculoskeletal disorder among physiotherapists. This study examined the prevalence of low back pain among students undergoing training to become physiotherapists. 

Method

Participants were 207 undergraduate clinical physiotherapy students at three universities in Nigeria. A modified version of a questionnaire used in a previous study was utilized to obtain demographic, educational activities, and LBP data. Prevalence of LBP was examined with descriptive statistics while factors associated with prevalence were explored using chi-square statistics. 

Result

More male students (53.1%) and those in the penultimate year of study (53.1%) participated in the study. Lifetime, 12-month, 1-month, and 7-day prevalence of LBP were 45.5%, 32.5%, 17.7%, and 11.5%, respectively. Prevalence of LBP was not significantly associated with any of the demographic variables. Educational activities, namely, “having techniques practiced on self for ≤10 hours” and “treating patients for ≥30 hours,” a month prior to the study were significantly (p<0.05) associated with higher 1-month and 7-day LBP prevalence, respectively. 

Conclusion

Although the prevalence of LBP was comparatively low, its association with educational activities emphasizes the need to incorporate effective LBP preventive strategies in the training of physiotherapy students.

Source:

Pain Research and Treatment 2016

Article:

Prevalence of Low Back Pain among Undergraduate Physiotherapy Students in Nigeria

Authors:

Grace O. Vincent-Onabajo et al.

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