Prevalence and Risk Factors of Low Back Pain among the Clinical Students of the College of Health Sciences in Bayero University Kano

Abstract

Background: Low Back Pain (LBP) is a common disorder that is identified to be the major cause of disability, affecting performance at  work and general well-being. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of low back pain among clinical  students of the College of Health Sciences at Bayero University Kano.

Method and Materials: A total of 191 clinical students were  recruited in this study, the subjects were drawn from the College of Health Sciences at Bayero University Kano. A self-administered  questionnaire was administered after which the physical characteristics of the participants were measured and recorded. Data collected  was summarized using descriptive statistics and analyzed using inferential statistics of chi-square to test the association between the risk  factor variables and low back pain.

Results: The study determined the 12months prevalence, 1month prevalence, 7days prevalence, and  point prevalence to be 44.4%, 28.9%, 22.5% and 48.1% respectively among the clinical students and a significant association (p< 0.05) was  found between Low back pain, age and course of study.

Conclusion: Low back pain appears to be a common problem among college  students. Therefore, the students should be aware of the risk factors, appropriate preventive measures and treatment of low back pain to  reduce the risks of getting it.