Prevalence and Predictors of Low Back Pain Among a Sample of Iraqi Academic Staff: A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58564/AIMCJ3.1.2026.261Keywords:
LBP, academic staff, prevalence, IraqAbstract
Low back pain (LBP) is a common worldwide health issue that significantly affects everyday activities. However, it has been thoroughly examined among healthcare professionals in Iraq.
The impact on university academic staff has not been adequately investigated, despite their prolonged periods of sitting and standing. A cross-sectional study with analytical components was conducted using a convenience sample of 98 academic staff (both clinical and non-clinical) in Babylon, Iraq, to assess the prevalence of LBP across various timeframes and to determine associated socio-demographic, occupational, and anthropometric factors. Participants completed the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Prevalence was evaluated at the lifetime, 12-month, 4-week, and point (current-day) intervals.
The lifetime prevalence of LBP was 56.1%, decreasing to 35.7% over the past year, 31.6% in the last four weeks, and 25.5% on the day of the survey. Daily working hours showed a significant difference (p=0.035), with individuals with LBP working fewer hours (average 5.4) compared to those without LBP (average 5.6). This counterintuitive result challenges the hypothesis that longer working hours raise the risk of LBP. Of those with 12-month LBP (n=35), 54.3% reported activity limitations. Working 6 or more hours per day was associated with lower odds of LBP, but this association was not statistically significant. A significant association was found with height (p=0.004); individuals with LBP tended to be taller. This may indicate ergonomic mismatches or biomechanical stress. No significant links were found for age, years of teaching, gender, chronic disease, or job type (p>0.05), possibly reflecting the characteristics of academic work.
Low back pain is a common issue among the studied group of Iraqi academic personnel. The negative correlation with working hours suggests the presence of potential ergonomic or activity-level confounders. It is advisable to implement ergonomic interventions.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Zaid Madhi
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