Prevalence of Low Back Pain in Healthcare Workers in Eastern Region in Saudi Arabia

Background Low back pain (LBP) is the second most common health complaint leading people to seek medical help. The prevalence of LBP amongst Saudi Arabians is around 18.8 %. The prevalence of LBP amongst healthcare providers in Mekkah was 74.2 %. Healthcare workers are at a great risk of developing occupational LBP. Occupational LBP is associated with more than 50 % of nurses sick leaves. Aim This study aims to assess the prevalence and the risk factors of LBP among all healthcare workers in the Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia. Methods The questionnaire has been distributed to healthcare workers in the Eastern Region. There were 1609 participants. The pre-designed questionnaire were on socio-demographics, years of work, occupation type, risk factors, complaining low back pain, taking medication to alleviate pain, and opinion of its relation to work. Results A total of 1609 subjects completed the questionnaire. Prevalence of LBP was 79 %, 822 were male and 787 were female. There was positive significant relationship between being male and developing LBP. Incidence of LBP was highly reported by nurses. We found that the younger participants, the more tendency to visit doctor and taking medications. Conclusions The majority of Saudi healthcare workers experience LBP in their lifetime with highest rate in nurses. Less than half of all healthcare workers cannot control their pain without taking medications. Almost all of participants relate their complaint to work.