Abstract
Background: Adolescent Low back pain is a public health challenge. The prevalence of low back pain (LBP) among secondary school students is increasing. Evidence shows LBP in adolescents can be a significant risk factor for back pain in adulthood. Aim:The present study aimed to determine the prevalence, correlates and consequences of LBP among secondary school students from schools in Benin city, Edo State. Method: The study was a cross sectional survey, with 402 participant (214 girls and 188 boys) From JSS 1-SSS 3 in 8 secondary schools were surveyed. Participants completed a three-section questionnaire comprising adapted Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and modified oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire which collected information on socio-demographic characteristics, experience of low back pain and associated disability, arthropometrics, weight of bag, seat height, desk hieight was measured. SPSS version 20 was use to analyze the data. Result: The life-time and point prevalence of ALBP among participants were 46.3% and 15.4% respectively. There was significant relationship, absentieeism (x2 =45.149, p value = 0.001), trauma ( R2= -1.546, p value = 0.001), class level (X2 = 17.238, p value = 0.004) but had no significant relationship with age, sex, BMI, academic performance, nature of Chores at home except farming (R2= 1.133, p value = 0.005). Majority of the participants had minimal disability (83.3%), The LBP experienced by most participants was of short duration and only a few episodes, suggesting non-chronicity. Conclusion: The findings of this survey suggest that LBP is prevalent among school children in Benin city with majority having minimal disability. Compiling interventional health promotion programs in preventing low back pain with due attention to its contributory factors is necessary. Health education on LBP prevention will help reduce its incidence in this population and future occurrences. Key words: Adolescent, Low back pain, prevalence, Disabilitiy
