Abstract: Low back pain (LBP) is the leading global cause of years lived with disability and represents a major public health and socio-economic concern. School teachers are an occupational group at high risk of LBP due to prolonged standing, heavy workload, poor ergonomic conditions, and psychosocial stress. Despite this burden, evidence on the prevalence and associated factors of LBP among primary school teachers in Rwanda remains limited. This study assessed the prevalence of low back pain and its associated socio-demographic and work-related factors among primary school teachers in Rwamagana District, Rwanda. A descriptive cross-sectional study using a quantitative approach was conducted in June 2025. A total of 169 primary school teachers were selected using a cluster sampling technique. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics summarized participants’ characteristics, while the Chi-square test assessed associations. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of low back pain. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. In multivariable analysis, teachers aged 41 years and above (AOR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.12–4.76), female teachers (AOR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.01–3.89), and married teachers (AOR = 2.67; 95% CI: 1.24–5.74) were more likely to experience low back pain. Prolonged standing for six hours or more per day (AOR = 3.21; 95% CI: 1.02–10.09), teaching six or more classes per day (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.02–4.41), use of chairs without lumbar support (AOR = 3.84; 95% CI: 1.76–8.37), high workplace stress (AOR = 4.98; 95% CI: 1.94–12.76), job dissatisfaction (AOR = 2.96; 95% CI: 1.01–8.65), and poor social support (AOR = 3.87; 95% CI: 1.08–13.88) remained independent predictors of low back pain. Low back pain is highly prevalent among primary school teachers in Rwamagana District and is strongly influenced by demographic, occupational, ergonomic, and psychosocial factors. Targeted ergonomic interventions, workload reduction, stress management programs, and occupational health education are recommended to reduce the burden of low back pain among primary school teachers.
Keywords: Low Back Pain (LBP), Prevalence, Associated Factors, Primary School Teachers, Occupational Health.
Title: PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH LOW BACK PAIN AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN RWAMAGANA DISTRICT
Author: Mukarutayisire Laurence, Dr. Michael Habtu
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
Vol. 14, Issue 2, April 2026 - June 2026
Page No: 500-516
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 24-June-2026
