Prevalence of work-related low back pain and associated risk factors among physiotherapists in Dhaka, Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background/Aims Low back pain is one of the most widespread public health concerns and physiotherapists frequently experience work-related low back pain. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of low back pain and the factors associated with the consequences of work-related low back pain among physiotherapists in Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2021 to January 2022 among physiotherapists working in Dhaka. A total of 212 male and female physiotherapists, aged between 22 and 40 years, participated in this study. Descriptive statistics (number and percentage) were used to express the prevalence rate and the association between pain and professional practice-related variables was measured by using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test where appropriate. Results There were more male physiotherapists (67%) than female therapists (33%). Overall, 25% of participants reported that they had low back pain before they started working as a physiotherapist, which increased to 87.3% after they had started working as a physiotherapist. The most common therapist-related risk was incorrectly using body mechanics (50.5%), working in an awkward position (50%) and repeated bending and twisting movements (49.1%). The most common patient-related risk factor was reported as dealing with a patient who was overweight (44.8%) and the most common work-related factor was reported as lack of sufficient resting time between patients (44.8%). There was a significant association between low back pain with the designation of the therapist, working hours and the number of patients treated in a day. Conclusions Work-related low back pain is prevalent among physiotherapists in Dhaka city. The pain was significantly associated with the designation of the therapist, working hours, and the number of patients treated by the therapist in a day. Preventive strategies, as well as proper patient handling techniques, should be followed while handling patients.