Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of lower back pain in registered
pharmacists in Johannesburg, in terms of workplace and individual factors, in order to
establish under which circumstances workplace and individual factors could influence
the prevalence of lower back pain in pharmacists.
The sample population of registered pharmacists in Johannesburg (N=300) was selected
from the register of pharmacists of Gauteng and a questionnaire was sent to the relevant
pharmacists. A total of 92 questionnaires were returned and represented a 30,7% response
rate. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding : The prevalences of previous
and current lower back pain; the intensities and frequencies of previous and current
lower back pain; the location of previous and current lower back pain; the radiation of
pain occurring in the lower extremities during previous and current lower back pain; the
weakness or numbness perceived in the lower extremities during previous and current
lower back pain; the professionals consulted for previous and current lower back pain;
the medication administered for previous and current lower back pain. The questions
asked regarding individual factors included : age; gender; anthropometry; exercise and
smoking; the workplace factors included : number of years in practice; number of hours
and days worked per week; bending, twisting and lifting; static work postures and
repetitive work.
The results were statistically analysed using frequency distributions, cross-tabulations
and the Kruskal-Wallis.Chi-squared approximation test. The results were represented by
pie charts, frequency tables and cross-tabulations, and descriptively analysed. The
overall prevalence of lower back pain in registered pharmacists in Johannesburg was
41,3%.
Among other findings, the weight and build were found to be significantly associated
with the respondents increased lower back pain. Other significant findings were that
respondents who worked more days per week as well as those who had an increased
frequency of reaching above shoulder height at work, had an increased incidence of
lower back pain.
It must be emphasised that great caution should be exercised in attempting to generalise
the findings of this survey, 'since workplace and individual factors associated with the
lower back pain were based on the respondent's subjective evaluations. This study was
not designed to establish cause and effect relationships between individual and workplace
factors, and prevalence of lower back pain among pharmacists.