Lower back pain prevalence and experiences in civil service workers, Botswana.

Background:  Lower back pain (LBP) is a global problem contributing to both disability and an increased demand for rehabilitation services. Studies on the prevalence and impact on work performance in Botswana are scarce.

Aim:  We investigated the prevalence of LBP among civil workers in Botswana and their experiences.

Setting:  The study setting comprised physiotherapy practice, Gaborone, Botswana.

Methods:  Concurrent explanatory mixed methods were employed. A total of 339 medical files for civil service workers were reviewed to identify the prevalence of LBP and associated risk factors such as age, gender, body mass index, working duration and type of work. Descriptive statistics were performed. In addition, 20 civil service workers were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded inductively.

Results:  A total of 339 files were reviewed and the prevalence of LBP was 49%. There was no association between the risk factors and LBP (p  0.05). The experience of LBP was expressed in terms of the characteristics of LBP; the effects of LBP on all life domains and how LBP was managed. Our findings were that LBP affected work life and work performance.

Conclusion:  The high prevalence of LBP in civil service workers is concerning because it affects all the domains of life including work performance. Workplace health and wellness interventions are recommended.Contribution: Workplace health and wellness interventions are recommended.