Prevalence of low back pain among filling stations attendants in Lagos, southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Low back pain has been found to be common among workers of some certain industries and occupation, however little is known about its prevalence among filling stations attendants who are perceived to belong to the group that are exposed to high occupational risk. This study was designed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of LBP among selected filling stations attendants as well as their associated risk factors. A study design was a cross sectional descriptive survey. All subjects were evaluated using a 36 item questionnaire which sought information on demographic data, 12 months prevalence of LBP prior to the study, severity of LBP, history of LBP, causative factors and management of LBP and its effect on filling stations attendant’s activities and activities of daily living. It was adapted from a previous study Titled Prevalence of Low Back Pain among Traffic Warden in Lagos state. The data was analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20 at p ≤ 0.05. The prevalence of low back pain over a 12 month period was observed to be 84.60%. The intensity was described as moderate (71.23%), mild (17.54%) and severe (11.23%) using verbal rating scale. There was relationship between age, gender and years of experience of the filling station attendants and prevalence of low back pain. A higher prevalence was identified among male compared to females. Majority of the respondent claimed that prolong standing was the activity that predispose them to LBP. This study concluded that low back pain is prevalent among filling stations attendants. Higher prevalence was identified in males compared to female, although there was male preponderance. Age, gender and years of involvement in attendant work have significant influence on the prevalence of LBP.

Keywords: Low back pain, Prevalence, Filling station attendant, Major oil marketers