Abstract:
Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is a clinical condition which is becoming common among
working population worldwide, including, Ghana. However, the lack of data on its prevalence
and associated risk factors among EMTs in Ghana limits efforts to mitigate the effects on these
group of workers.
Objective: This study therefore sought to determine the prevalence and factors associated with
low back pain among EMTs in Greater Accra Region.
Methods: The study was cross sectional in design involving administering 151 questionnaires
to EMTs across all the sixteen ambulance stations in Greater Accra. Bivariate analyses using
Chi square and a multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine the factors that
influences low back pain among EMTs.
Results: The results showed that the prevalence of LBP among EMTs was 48.2% which is
similar to the findings of a study on low back pain among emergency technicians of the
International Association of Emergency Technicians which had a prevalence of 47%. Poor
health seeking behaviour (AOR=0.02; 95% CI=0.001-0.223) and frequency of exercise (AOR=
0.12; 95% CI=0.015-0.949) were found to be significantly associated with low back pain.
Conclusion: The study suggests that there is increasing prevalence of LPBs among EMTs and
that, there is the need for management to incorporate regular fitness training at the stations, and
regular medical screening to mitigate the effects of this lower back pain.
