Background: Low back pain (LBP) is broadly recognized as significant health and socio-economic problem, and school teachers have a high risk for developing LBP. Factors contributing to an increased risk of LBP among teachers include prolonged sitting and standing and long hours working at a computer. This study investigates the prevalence of LBP among Saudi teachers in the Qassim region, compares prevalence between male and female teachers, and determines its associated risk factors.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among Saudi teachers working in primary, intermediate, and secondary schools in Buraydah, Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia. We enrolled 369 teachers using a simple random technique. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Data entry, cleaning, and analysis used the Statistical Package for Social Sciences.
Results: The prevalence of LBP among school teachers was 79.8%, with no significant difference between males and females (p-value 0.2798); 76.1% have a minimal disability, 19.7% have a moderate disability, 3.4% have a severe disability, and 0.9% were crippled. Factors that showed a significant relationship were the number of classes per week (p value = 0.0018) and sleeping hours per day (p value = 0.0091)
Conclusion: This study reveals a high prevalence of LBP among school teachers in Qassim, Saudi Arabia, comparable to the prevalence rates documented in other countries. LBP risk factors were sleeping per hour and the number of classes per week.
Key words: Low back pain, orthopedic department, teachers, Qassim region, Saudi Arabia.
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