Lower back pain and its associated factors among adult patients undergoing surgery at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Hospital, Ethiopia, 2025

Abstract

Lower back pain is a major global cause of disability and is common among people of all ages. Surgical patients are especially at risk due to preexisting conditions, stress, lifestyle factors, and physical demands. Most studies focus on specific occupations, leaving limited information on the general adult surgical population. Without knowing the burden and causes of lower back pain in these patients, effective preoperative prevention and management are difficult. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of lower back pain among adults undergoing surgery at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in 2025. A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to September 2025 on 200 surgical patients at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia. A consecutive sampling technique was used. Data were collected using a structured written questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Bi-variable and multi-variable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with lower back pain, with significance determined using adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. The prevalence of lower back pain was 34.0%. Age, sex, physical exercise, and family history of lower back pain were significantly associated with lower back pain ( p < 0.05). Compared to 18–29-year-olds, 30–39-year-olds had 9.11-fold higher odds of low back pain (AOR = 9.11; 95% CI 1.53–54.39).). Females showed greater risk than males (AOR = 3.35; 95% CI 1.56–5.41) as did those not exercising (AOR = 2.38; 95% CI 1.05–5.37). The finding indicated that lower back pain was notably high. Promoting regular physical activity and core-strengthening exercises can help reduce vulnerability. Older patients and females should receive focused screening, ergonomic support, and education on posture and spinal care.