Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of LBP among nurses in a typical
Nigerian Specialist Hospital.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for LBP among nurses in a
typical Nigerian Hospital. A department-to-department enquiry was conducted using a self structured valid and reliable
questionnaire.
Result: Four hundred and eight respondents (148 [36.27%] males and 260 [63.73%] females) participated in the study. The
12 month prevalence of LBP was 300 (73.53%). LBP was more prevalent among female nurses (68%) than the male nurses
(32%). It was also associated with occupational hazard and poor knowledge of back care ergonomics. The prevalence of LBP
in MMSH is comparable to levels recorded abroad. However, in this study LBP did not feature as a major cause of sickness
absence in the work place
Conclusion: It was concluded that poor back care ergonomics is the major predisposing factor of LBP.
