article · Journal of Occupational Health and Epidemiology
A cross-sectional investigation evaluated the prevalence of low back pain and its contributing factors among 420 employees at a private bank in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The twelve-month prevalence of low back pain reached 78.3 percent. Older age, being overweight or obese, and negative perceptions of the working environment were significantly associated with higher rates of pain. Physical and operational factors also increased risk, including prolonged sitting, long working hours, scarce breaks, uncomfortable workstations, and insufficient exercise. Conversely, alternating between sitting and standing, utilising ergonomic equipment, and walking during daily commutes served as protective elements against back pain. Workplace interventions that improve workstation ergonomics, encourage physical activity, and mitigate occupational stress could reduce pain and improve staff productivity.
Low back pain is a major contributor to global disability and workplace impairment. By identifying the exact lifestyle, ergonomic, and psychosocial triggers affecting office workers in Tanzania, employers and health advisors can design targeted workplace policies. Addressing these hazards directly supports staff health, reduces physical discomfort, and helps sustain workforce productivity.
The findings provide applied evidence that could inform occupational health programmes, corporate wellness services, and the procurement of ergonomic office furniture or sit-stand workstations for corporate environments. While the research demonstrates clear associations and intervention targets, it remains observational and does not evaluate a specific proprietary product or service, meaning commercial applications depend on third-party solution providers developing workplace interventions.
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Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide.Bank staff are at increased risk due to exposure to ergonomic hazards.In Tanzania, data on the burden of LBP among this group are limited.This study aimed to determine the prevalence of LBP and its associated factors among bank staff. Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was undertaken in 2024 among employees of a private bank in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.Participants were selected through stratified random sampling.Data were collected via an interviewer-administered questionnaire.Associations between LBP and predictor variables were assessed using multivariable modified Poisson regression models.Results: A total of 420 participants were included.The median age was 39 years, with 56.9% being female.The 12-month prevalence of LBP was 78.3%.Factors significantly linked to LBP included older age (aPR=1.18;95%CI:1.06-1.32)and being overweight/obese (aPR=1.07;95%CI:1.01-1.14).Other predictors included longer working hours, limited breaks, uncomfortable workstations, lack of physical activity, and prolonged sitting (aPR range:1.13-1.40).Protective factors included alternating between sitting and standing, access to ergonomic equipment, and walking to or from work (aPR range: 0.54-0.91).Negative perceptions of work environment were also significantly correlated with LBP (aPR range: 1.09-1.24).Conclusions: LBP is highly prevalent among bank staff and is affected by several factors, including sociodemographic, psychosocial, ergonomic, and lifestyle factors.Workplace interventions targeting these factors, such as providing ergonomic workstations, promoting physical activity, and addressing workplace stress, could help lower LBP as well as enhance employee health and productivity.
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DOI: 10.61882/johe.14.3.186
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