Work-related low back pain among clinical laboratory workers in Saudi Arabia | [Rawal Medical Journal • 2025]

Author(s):

1. Khalid M. Alkhathami: Department of Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences at Shaqra, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia

2. Husam A. Almalki: Department of Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences at Shaqra, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia

3. Ajith Soman: Department of Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences at Shaqra, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia

4. Abdullah H. Al-Zahrani: Department of Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences at Shaqra, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia

5. Abdullah Ibrahim Alhusayni: Department of Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences at Shaqra, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia

6. Bijad Al-Qahtani: Department of Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences at Shaqra, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia

7. Rayan Jastania: Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

8. Alanoud Al-Sulami: Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

9. Uthman Hakami: Dr Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

10. Mohammed Abdullah Alshehri: Albaha Health Cluster-Long Tearm Hospital- Albaha, Saudi Arabia

11. Mohanad M. Ayfan: Advanced Care Medical Services Company, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

12. Nada Mobaruk Aljohani: Phyioplans Clinic, Medina, Saudi Arabia

Abstract:

Objective: To investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of low back pain (LBP) on daily living activities among clinical laboratory workers in Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among Laboratory professionals working in clinical or non-clinical settings. The data collection form consisted of three sections: sociodemographic information, modified ODI scale, and short-form survey-36 (SF-36). Descriptive statistics of all independent variables were calculated. Results: Out of 89 workers, 64% reported LBP. LBP was significantly associated with female gender (90%) (p<0.001). Clinical practitioners (69.6%) reported high-er LBP than office workers (45%). 34.8% reported mild disability, 15.7% moderate disability, and only 1.1% reported severe disability. 26.3% said their health had gotten worse over the previous year. Conclusion: LBP is a major work-related illness that affects medical laboratory workers, particularly women and those in clinical settings. Addressing this issue req-uires targeted physical activity and stress management interventions, as well as specific educational initiatives to improve knowledge of proper body mechanics.

Page(s): 629-633

DOI: DOI not available

Published: Journal: Rawal Medical Journal, Volume: 50, Issue: 3, Year: 2025

Keywords:

Ergonomics , Disability , Low back pain , Quality of life , medical laboratory professionals

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