# Prevalence and Risk Factors of Low Back Pain Among Healthcare Workers in Major Hospitals in Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study finds that low back pain is very common among healthcare workers in Al Madinah, with family history and work hours being key risk factors.

## Contribution

The study provides new prevalence data and identifies specific risk factors for low back pain among healthcare workers in Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

## Key findings

- 85.9% of healthcare workers reported lifetime low back pain.
- Family history and working ≤8 hours/day were significant predictors of LBP.
- Standing ≤5 hours/day and smoking were also associated with LBP risk.

## Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a significant occupational health burden and the most common musculoskeletal condition among healthcare professionals worldwide. Data on its prevalence and contributing factors in major hospitals in Al Madinah remain limited.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 382 healthcare professionals from major hospitals in Al Madinah using a standardized, self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages), chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, and multivariable binary logistic regression were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Independent predictors of LBP were reported as adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: The lifetime prevalence of LBP was 85.9%, with 73.6% reporting symptoms in the past year and 43.7% experiencing current pain. Independent predictors of LBP included a family history of LBP (OR = 2.19, p = 0.021), working ≤8 hours/day (OR = 2.18, p = 0.017), standing ≤5 hours/day (OR = 0.48, p = 0.023), and smoking (OR = 0.54, p = 0.049). After adjustment, work-related physical tasks and stress level were not significant predictors.

Conclusion: LBP is highly prevalent among healthcare workers in Al Madinah. Familial predisposition and specific work-hour patterns emerged as key determinants. These findings underscore the need for targeted ergonomic and organizational interventions and support future longitudinal studies to clarify causal pathways.