Prevalence and Associated Factors of Low Back Pain among Physicians in Egypt

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal issue among healthcare workers, particularly physicians, due to the physical demands of patient care, including prolonged standing and lifting. While, LBP is well-researched globally, data on its prevalence and risk factors among Egyptian physicians is limited.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of LBP among physicians in Egypt and identify the personal and work-related factors associated with it. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 physicians in Egypt using a self-administered questionnaire covering personal characteristics, LBP history, and work-related factors. A total of 240 valid responses were analyzed. Prevalence and associations with risk factors were determined through statistical tests, including Chi-square and logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of LBP was 82.5%, with females (86.2%) experiencing higher rates than males (75.3%, p = 0.048). Younger physicians (mean age 39.4 ± 10.5 years) reported more LBP than older ones (p = 0.044). Physicians outside metropolitan Cairo had a higher prevalence of LBP (p = 0.035). Work-related factors such as prolonged standing (p = 0.021) and frequent bending (p = 0.017) were significantly associated with LBP, while sustained sitting was protective (p = 0.034). Of the participants, 64.3% showed treatment, and 13.3% took sick leave due to LBP. Conclusion: LBP was highly prevalent among Egyptian physicians, particularly females, younger doctors, and those working outside metropolitan Cairo. Improving workplace ergonomics may reduce LBP's impact and enhance physicians' health and productivity.