Prevalence of Low Back Pain Among Traffic Wardens in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) has been found to be common among workers in certain industries and occupations. However, little is known about the prevalence of low back pain among traffic wardens in Nigeria, who are perceived to belong to the group of workers that are exposed to high  occupational risks. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of low back pain and its associated risk factors among traffic wardens. The study design was a cross-sectional descriptive survey. All subjects were  evaluated using a 32-item questionnaire to collect information on the demographic characteristics, years of involvement in working as a traffic warden, history of LBP in the last 12 months, possible causes and management of LBP, and the effect of LBP on work and the activities of daily living. The intensity of the pain was assessed using a verbal rating
scale. The prevalence of low back pain over a 12-month period was observed to be 69.5%. The intensity was described as moderate (49.2%), mild (11.8%), or severe (8.6%). Eighty (61.5%) of the traffic wardens agreed that LBP constitutes some form of impediment to their job  activities. There was a relationship between age and prevalence of low back pain, with age 35 – 54 years having the highest level of prevalence. Years of involvement in regulating traffic also has a significant influence on the severity of LBP. A higher prevalence was identified among males compared to females This study concluded that low back pain is prevalent among traffic wardens and the female wardens are more susceptible than their male counterparts. Also, age and years of involvement in regulating traffic
significantly influence prevalence of LBP.

KEY WORDS: low back pain, traffic warden, occupational health