Prevalence of low back pain among Saudi radiographers

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dc.check.date2026-11-10en
dc.check.infoAccess to this article is restricted until 12 months after publication by request of the publisheren
dc.contributor.authorAbu Aqil, A. I.en
dc.contributor.authorHadi, Yasser H.en
dc.contributor.authorAli, H. M.en
dc.contributor.authorEngland, Andrewen
dc.contributor.authorMcEntee, Marken
dc.date.accessioned2025-12-08T14:35:23Z
dc.date.available2025-12-08T14:35:23Z
dc.date.issued2025-11-10en
dc.description.abstractIntroduction: Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare professionals, with diagnostic radiographers identified as a high-risk group due to patient handling, equipment manipulation, and prolonged static postures. Despite extensive international research, evidence on LBP among radiographers in Saudi Arabia remains limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, impact, and risk factors of LBP among Saudi radiographers. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among radiographers employed in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire captured demographic data, LBP prevalence, severity, occupational exposures, and the perceived impact on work and daily activities. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential testing to explore associations between occupational risk factors and LBP outcomes. Results: Of 335 participants, 75 % (n = 252) reported LBP in the past 12 months and 41 % (n = 138) had current symptoms. Key occupational risks included pushing/pulling equipment and bending (61 %, n = 204), patient or detector repositioning (50 %, n = 167), transfers (38 %, n = 127), twisting (42 %, n = 140), and wearing lead aprons (43 %, n = 144). LBP significantly affected life and work: 32 % (n = 81) reduced work activity, 48 % (n = 121) leisure activity, 21 % (n = 54) reported absenteeism, and 11 % (n = 28) required hospitalisation. Notably, 43 % (n = 144) had considered career changes, and over 70 % (n = 235) expressed concern about long-term effects on career and quality of life. Conclusion: LBP is highly prevalent among Saudi radiographers and is strongly associated with occupational exposures. The findings highlight an urgent need for preventive measures to protect radiographers’ wellbeing. Implication for practice: Implementing ergonomic interventions, providing tailored manual handling training, and improving organisational support could substantially reduce LBP risk and enhance workforce sustainability.en
dc.description.statusPeer revieweden
dc.description.versionAccepted Versionen
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdfen
dc.identifier.articleid103228en
dc.identifier.citationAqil, A. A., Hadi, Y. H., Ali, H. M., England, A. and McEntee, M. (2025) 'Prevalence of low back pain among Saudi radiographers', Radiography, 32(1), 103228 (8pp). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2025.103228en
dc.identifier.doi10.1016/j.radi.2025.103228en
dc.identifier.endpage8en
dc.identifier.issn1078-8174en
dc.identifier.issued1en
dc.identifier.journaltitleRadiographyen
dc.identifier.startpage1en
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10468/18338
dc.identifier.volume32en
dc.language.isoenen
dc.publisherElsevier B.V.en
dc.rights© 2025, the College of Radiographers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.en
dc.rights.urihttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/en
dc.subjectLow back pain (LBP)en
dc.subjectSaudien
dc.subjectDiagnostic radiographersen
dc.subject~Medicine - Journal Articles~en
dc.titlePrevalence of low back pain among Saudi radiographersen
dc.typeArticle (peer-reviewed)en
dc.typejournal-articleen
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