SJ Orthopaedic Research Africa (SJ-Orthopaedic) is a peer-reviewed open-access medical journal covering orthopedic Medicine and the general study of the musculoskeletal system. It was established on Sunday, 31st December 2023, and is published by SJC Publishers Company Limited. The Journal has both Print (ISSN: 3007-570X) and Online (ISSN: 3007-5718) medium. Aim and Scope: The Journal provides a platform for exchanging new clinical and scientific information from students worldwide in this field in the most precise and expeditious way to achieve timely dissemination of information from the different projects they do. Our interest is in studies in the following fields; Arthroplasty Exercise and Sports Medicine Joint Disorders Medical Malpractice and Legal Issues Obesity and Weight Management Osteoporosis Pain Management Rheumatoid Arthritis Spinal Disorders Traumatology or General Orthopaedics Infections and Tumors Amputation Imaging (foot/ankle)
The social demographic factors affecting caretakers’ adherence to the use of Steenbeck foot abduction brace among children with clubfoot below 2 years at Mulago National Referral Hospital. A cross-sectional study.
Background: This study aimed at investigating the social demographic factors affecting caretakers’ adherence to the use of Steenbeck foot abduction brace among children aged two years below at Mulago National Referral Hospital. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in which primary quantitative data were obtained from 30 caretakers of children with club foot below 2years of age. Results: The majority of the participants,10(33.3%), finished primary school, 6(20%) attained secondary level, and 2(6.7%) finished university level. 6 (20%) babies were 5 months and below, 11(36.7%) babies were between 5 and 12 months, and 13 (43.3%) children were between 12 to 23months. The majority of the children were male, 20(66.7%), compared to females, 10 (33.3%). More than half of the respondents were from urban areas 20, 66.7%), and 10(33.3%) were from rural areas. 7(23.3%) were married, 8(26.7%) were single, of the 10(33.3%) and 5(16.7%) the former lost their husbands (widows), and the latter lost their wives (widowers). children with one limb affected (unilateral) were 14(46.7%) and 16(53.3%) had both limbs affected (bilateral). 3(10%) of the caretakers were between 18 and 23 years, 9(30%) were between 24 and 29 years, 11(36.7%) were between 30 and 44 years, and those 45 and above were 7 (23.3%). Conclusion: Children whose caretakers were peasants had a high incidence of clubfoot. This could have been due to financial constraints they face, as they couldn’t afford the braces for their children even when they wished to. Recommendations: Mulago National Referral Hospital should determine an average price of these braces that the orthopedic workshops should charge the clients, taking into consideration the low-income earners.
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Attitude of caretakers towards use of Steenbeeck foot abduction braces in clubfoot management among children below two years at Mulago National Referral Hospital. A cross-sectional study.
Background: This study aimed at investigating the attitude of caretakers towards the use of SFABs in clubfoot management among children below 2years at Mulago National Referral Hospital. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in which primary quantitative data were obtained from 30 caretakers of children with clubfoot below 2years of age. Results: The study showed that most of the caretakers had a negative attitude towards the use of SFAB, as indicated by the majority (33.3%) mentioning that braces caused more pain, (26.7%) mentioned that the brace caused the children to lack sleep, while (23.3%) mentioned that braces made the children to cry and (16.7%) mentioned that the braces sometimes caused wounds. Conclusion: The majority of the caretakers had a poor attitude toward the use of SFAB in the management of clubfoot, as most of them (33.3%) complained that the brace causes more pain to their children. Recommendation: The technical staff of the MNRH orthopedic technology department should make adjustments to the currently prescribed SFABs to ensure the infants do not feel pain when using them. Thus, amplifying parents’ attitude towards the prescribed braces.
caregivers' attitude towards clubfoot management
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Environmental factors contributing to low back pain among males aged 20 to 35 years at Spinal Clinic, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala District. A Cross-sectional study.
Background: The influence of lifestyle choices on lower back pain (LBP) among males. The aim of the study is to assess the Environmental factors contributing to low back pain among males aged 20 to 35 years at Spinal Clinic, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala District. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey involving the collection of quantitative data from 190 respondents, including 14 Surgeons and other doctors, 40 nursing staff, 19 Administrative and support staff, and 108 patients. Results: Poor working conditions, prolonged sitting or standing, heavy lifting or manual labor, lack of ergonomic furniture and equipment, insufficient breaks or rest periods, and environmental stressors were significant contributors to LBP. Poor working conditions are associated with a higher prevalence, with a mean score of 3.97. Prolonged sitting or standing during work, by the mean score, is 3.71. Heavy lifting or manual labor increases the risk of low back pain among young males; the mean score is 4.23. Lack of ergonomic furniture and equipment in workplaces leading to low back pain issues yields a mean score of 3.97. Insufficient breaks or rest periods during work exacerbate low back pain problems. The largest proportions of patients, constituting 30% of the sample, are Boda boda riders, 28% are Manual laborers, and 24% are office workers. Drivers and market vendors represent 14% and 12% of the patients, respectively, suggesting that certain professions may pose a higher risk for developing LBP. Conclusion: Addressing these environmental factors through improvements in workplace ergonomics, rest breaks, and environmental conditions will help alleviate the burden of low back pain in this population.
Socioeconomic factors influencing the occurrence of low back pain among males aged 20 to 35 years at Spinal Clinic, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala District. A cross-sectional study.
Background: Globally, there is an increasing public health concern about back pain, most especially lower back pain, in both developing and developed countries. The aim of the study is to assess the socioeconomic factors influencing the occurrence of low back pain. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey involving the collection of quantitative data from 190 respondents, including 14 Surgeons and other doctors, 40 nursing staff, 19 Administrative and support staff, and 108 patients. The study included both males and females. Results: Financial constraints significantly contributing to the occurrence of low back pain show a mean score of 3.90. Limited access to healthcare services impacting the prevalence of low back pain, the mean score is 3.89, also indicating a high effect. Assertion about the type of employment influencing the likelihood of experiencing low back pain, the mean score is 4.92, indicating a very high effect. Adequate social support systems helping alleviate the burden of low back pain, the mean score is 3.90, indicating a high effect. Poor living conditions contributing to the occurrence of low back pain, the mean score is 3.10, indicating a moderate effect. Health insurance coverage positively affecting the management and treatment of low back pain yields a mean score of 3.98, indicating a high level of agreement among respondents. The data reveal that most of the staff are married, constituting 53% of the total surveyed population, while 35% are single, and 13% are divorced or separated. Conclusion: Financial constraints, limited access to healthcare services, type of employment, social support systems, and educational attainment were identified as significant determinants of low back pain. Recommendation: Enhancing access to healthcare services can facilitate early detection and treatment of low back pain among the population. Employers should offer health insurance coverage that includes comprehensive musculoskeletal care.
IMPACT OF COCK UP SPLINTS TO CHILDREN WITH WRIST DROP IN MULAGO ORTHOPAEDIC WORKSHOP. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
Background The management of wrist drops involves the use of a wrist splint commonly known as a cock-up splint and physical therapy. The study aims to assess the Impact of cock-up splints on children with wrist drops in the MNRH Orthopedic Workshop. Methodology A cross-sectional study using quantitative data collection methods to collect data from 45 Respondents who were wrist drop patients between 10 to 18 years old. Results A significant impact of cock-up splints in the management of wrist drops was reported. The majority of the respondents 18(40%) had improved wrist alignment, 10(26.7%) had improved range of motion at the wrist joint, 9(20%) improved muscle power, and 6(13%) experienced a reduction in pain. negative impacts of cock-up splints on wrist drop patients. Majority of the patients 36(80%) had discomfort while 9(20%) didn’t experience it, 26(57.8%) got muscle weakness and atrophy unlike the 19(42.2%), 34(75.6%) had limited range of motion at the wrist joint while 11(24.4%). As 27(60%) had skin irritations while 18(40%) did not get any skin irritations. 27(60%) were males while 18(40%) were females. Conclusion Cock up splints had a recommendable positive impact on wrist drop patients where they helped in relieving patients of pain and improved the prognosis of the patients despite other notable side effects associated with their use like skin irritation and discomfort. Recommendation Efforts should be made by Orthopedic Technologists to address the negative effects of cock-up splints on patients such as discomfort, muscle weakness, and atrophy. Limitation of range of motion and skin irritations through making better cock up designs with inner soft liners or paddings as these will allow comfortability and also avoid direct contact of device material plastic or metal with the skin thus avoiding skin irritations.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO LATE MANAGEMENT OF FOOT DROP SECONDARY TO POST-INJECTION NEURITIS AMONG CHILDREN BELOW 15 YEARS AT THE ORTHOPEDIC UNIT OF KUMI HOSPITAL. A PROPOSED STUDY.
Background WHO recognizes foot drop as an impairment of the body structure that may markedly influence the activities and participation of the affected individual. Patients with foot drop excessively flex the knee and the hip to lift high the affected foot to avoid dragging the toes across the ground producing a characteristic steppage gait pattern. Foot drop can be attributed to trauma, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and nerve compression, especially to the common peroneal nerve, however, permanent cases of foot drop are instead due to damage to the sciatic nerve resulting from gluteal intramuscular (IM) injection, usually as a result of iatrogenic actions. An estimated 12 billion injections are administered every year by healthcare practitioners and 50% of these injections are administered unsafely most especially in developing countries as reported by WHO in the 2014 report. The study aims to assess the Factors contributing to the late management of foot drop secondary to post-injection neuritis among children below 15 years at the orthopedic unit of Kumi Hospital. Methodology A cross-sectional and descriptive study design will be used to explore the factors contributing to the late management of foot drop secondary to post-injection neuritis among children below 15 years who had inappropriately administered gluteal IM injections. It will involve the use of quantitative data techniques that will be used to summarize the obtained information statistically. Discussion Amidst the rising incidences of foot drop secondary to post-injection neuritis among children below 15 years in Uganda. This study seeks to establish the prevalence, impacts, and factors that could be associated with the rising foot drop cases. This will provide baseline data and recommendations for any relevant interventions aimed at combatting the problems by necessary stakeholders who may pick interest in the findings.
Section of Abstracts and Short Communication
Satisfaction level of wrist drop patients to cock up splints at Mulago Hospital Orthopedic workshop. Cross-sectional study.
Background: Patient satisfaction can be subjective, depending on individual patients and caregivers, considering various factors. The aim of the study is to assess the Satisfaction level of wrist drop patients to cock up splints at the MNRH Orthopedic workshop. Methodology: A cross-sectional study using quantitative data collection methods to collect data from 45 Respondents who were wrist drop patients between 10 and 18 years. Results: The satisfaction rate of wrist drop patients with the use of cock up splints is low at 46.7%. Majority 46.7% were dissatisfied, 13,3% Neutral, 24.4% Satisfied, and 15.6% very satisfied. Regarding appearance, the majority of the patients, 36(80%), were satisfied with cock up splints, and 9(20%) were not satisfied with the appearance. 15(33.3%) were satisfied with durability while 35(67.7%) were not satisfied with durability. The majority of respondents, 18(40%), had a very negative perception,13% somewhat positive, Neutral 9%, Somewhat positive 22%, and very positive 16%. The majority of the respondents 27(60%) were aged 10 to 13 years, 9(20%) were 13 to 16 years while 9(20%) were 16 to 18 years. Conclusion: Wrist drop patients are generally not satisfied with the use of cock up splints, citing various reasons like discomfort, appearance, and a negative perception despite their positive impacts on their health. Recommendation: Health care providers should monitor compliance with cock up splint usage and provide timely support to address any issues that may arise to improve the effectiveness of cock-up splints in the management of wrist drop, hence increasing the satisfaction levels.
Satisfaction level of wrist drop patients
EFFECTIVENESS OF KNEE BRACES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS IN PATIENTS AGED 36 YEARS AND ABOVE IN MULAGO NATIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
Background Unloader knee braces were effective in the treatment of knee OA and it was a form of management that was recommended by the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI). The study aims to assess the effectiveness of knee braces in management of Knee osteoarthritis in the management of knee osteoarthritis in patients aged 37 years and above at Mulago National Referral Hospital. Methodology The study was descriptive, and cross-sectional employing a quantitative data collection approach from 45 respondents. It included all male and female patients who were diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis in the Orthopedic workshop. Results Knee braces had a significantly high efficiency of 84.4%, in relieving knee OA symptoms such as pain and decline in the quality of life thereby improving their lifestyle, support and stability, improved walking speed, and reduced pain. 7(15.6%) felt no help was brought by knee brace use. 10(22.2%) experienced improvement in their lifestyle, 8(17.8%) had better support and stability only 5(11.1%) had improved walking speed, 15(33.3%) experienced reduced and knee stiffness and 7(15.6%) experienced none of the changes. Out of 38 respondents who felt a knee brace had helped with their condition 7(19%) experienced a high extent of change, 18(47%) experienced a moderate change and 13(34%) experienced a slight change in their condition with the use of knee braces.By gender 30(66.7%) were female while 15(33.3%) were male. Conclusion The use of Knee braces is highly effective in the management of Knee OA by relieving most symptoms and improving the quality of life of patients with Knee OA. Recommendation MNRH administration should relocate and put in proximity to the different disciplines involved in the management of knee OA to ensure the different professions jointly manage the disease.
KNOWLEDGE OF THE USE OF KNEE BRACES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS AMONG PATIENTS AGED 36 YEARS AND ABOVE IN MULAGO NATIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
Background Patient education is an important first-line OA treatment necessary for enhancing the understanding and changing the attitude about OA and its optimal management. This study aims to assess the knowledge of knee braces use in managing knee osteoarthritis among patients aged 36 years and above in Mulago National Referral Hospital. Methodology The study was descriptive, and cross-sectional employing a quantitative data collection approach from 45 respondents. It included all male and female patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis in the orthopedic workshop. Results The majority 35(78%) were not familiar with knee braces as a treatment option for knee OA and only 10 (22) knew about knee braces as a treatment option for knee OA. 36(80%) could confirm that knee braces were safer than other treatment options for knee arthritis and 9 (20%) could not. 42(93.3%) did not get to discuss the outcomes of knee braces with their healthcare provider and 3(6.7%) always discussed with their healthcare provider. 39(86.7%) of the respondents would like to learn more about knee braces in managing knee OA while 6(13.3%) would not. By level of education, 15(33.3%) held certificates, 10(22.2%) had diplomas, 10(22.2%) possessed degrees, and 3(6.7%) had master's degrees and 7(15.6%) had no certification. 3(6.6%). Conclusion There is a wide knowledge gap among Osteoarthritis patients concerning using knee braces as a treatment option for knee OA and its possible outcomes. Recommendation The public should be sensitized by health care providers and other health promotion agencies on the different treatment options for orthopedic conditions like knee OA to improve the uptake of the different available orthopedic services.
IMPACT OF LUMBER SPINE PAIN ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND WORK PERFORMANCE AMONG HEALTH WORKERS WITH OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE AT LIRA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL-LIRA CITY.A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
Background: Objectives: To find out the impact of lumber spine pain on the quality of life and work performance among health workers with occupational exposure at Lira Regional Referral Hospital-Lira City. Methods: The study employed a descriptive, cross-sectional study design to find quantitative data. self-administered questionnaires and structured interviews were used to obtain data. The data was captured and analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20 software, summarized in frequency, and percentages, and presented in tables and charts. Results: Of 45 health workers who were interviewed,35 (77.8%) reported always experiencing work-related stress, 5 (11.1 %) reported that they never, and 5(11.1%) experienced it rarely. Based on respondents’ ratings of their psychological well-being, the highest 20 (44.4%) rated as fair with 5 (11.1%) rated poor, excellent 10(22.2%), and 10(22.2) rated good. When interviewed about whether they were aware of the potential risks of lumber spine pain associated with their occupation,32 (71.1%) reported not being aware and 13 (28.9%) reported awareness. Conclusion: The impact of lumber spine pain on the quality of life and work performance among health workers with occupational exposure at Lira Regional Referral Hospital-Lira City always experiencing work-related stress, being unsatisfied with the job tasks, and reduced psychological well-being Recommendation: The government should recruit more Health Workers, and lower the working hours to ensure all health workers get adequate resting periods before they can resume work
COMMON RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH LUMBER SPINE PAIN AMONG HEALTH WORKERS WITH OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE AT LIRA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL-LIRA CITY. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
Background: Objectives: To establish the common risk factors associated with lumber spine pain among health workers with occupational exposure at Lira Regional Referral Hospital-Lira City. Methods: The study employed a descriptive, cross-sectional study design to find quantitative data. self-administered questionnaires and structured interviews were used to obtain data. The data was captured and analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20 software, summarized in frequency, and percentages, and presented in tables and charts. Results: Out of the 45 respondents interviewed, the highest 29(64.4%) were female and the least 16 (35.6%) were males.38 (84.4%) responded that their job responsibility involved lifting and assisting patients and a greater number of them 35 (77.8%) spent more than 8 hours in such activities. Additionally,43 (95.6%) which was a greater percentage reported performing their job tasks always doing repetitive movements when performing their job tasks. Conclusion: The common risk factors associated with lumber spine pain were contributed by activities involving lifting and assisting patients (77.8%), job tasks involving repetitive movement, absence of proper equipment and tools to assist in routine job tasks, and improper workplace design and layout Recommendation: Hospital Administrations: The administration should employ more porters to help in lifting and transferring patients to reduce the potential of Lumber Spine Pain on the Health Workers
UNDERUTILIZATION OF ISCHIAL-CONTAINING SOCKETS IN PROSTHETIC REHABILITATION SERVICES AT MULAGO ORTHOPAEDIC WORKSHOPS IN KAMPALA UGANDA.
Prosthetic rehabilitation services play a pivotal role in restoring mobility and improving the quality of life for individuals with lower limb amputations. However, despite advancements in prosthetic technology, there exists an underutilization of ischial-containing sockets in Orthopaedic Workshops at Mulago in Kampala Uganda. This comprehensive document examines the reasons behind this phenomenon, evaluates the benefits of ischial-containing sockets, and proposes strategies to enhance their adoption in prosthetic rehabilitation services at Mulago Orthopaedic workshops in Kampala Uganda. Lower limb amputations pose significant challenges to individuals, impacting their mobility, independence, and overall well-being. Prosthetic rehabilitation services aim to address these challenges by providing customized prosthetic devices tailored to the individual's needs. Ischial-containing sockets, characterized by their close fit and weight-bearing properties, offer numerous advantages over traditional sockets. However, these sockets remain underutilized in prosthetic rehabilitation services offered at Mulago Orthopaedic workshops in Kampala Uganda. This manuscript seeks to explore the factors contributing to this underutilization and propose recommendations for promoting the adoption of ischial-containing sockets.
Rehabilitation at Orthopaedic Workshops in Kampala Uganda
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POST-FITTING PRACTICES AMONG TRANSFEMORAL AMPUTEES AT ARUA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL. A PROPOSED STUDY.
Background Prosthetic fitting aims to enable the patients to achieve maximum functional independence considering the patient’s pre-amputation lifestyle, their expectations, and limitations. Activities to maximize independence in everyday life include self-care like dressing, feeding, bathing, and toileting among others with or without prostheses. Post-fitting management refers to follow-up activities performed by the rehabilitation team after the amputee has been fitted and discharged with a prosthesis to ensure maximum functional independence amidst the gait training and the accurate static and dynamic alignments done by the orthopedic technologists, patients have continued to present with these problems. Post-fitting management is essential to achieve the functional independence of the amputee. And it needs to be a continuous process. A person with an amputation in the prosthetic phase can continue to improve greatly if he is taught about the major goals of the post-fitting stage Therefore, post-fitting management needs to be reinforced and made continuous to prevent such occurrences among transfemoral amputees. The study aims to assess fitting practices among transfemoral amputees at Arua Regional Referral Hospital. Discussion There is a a need for continued studies about prosthetic fitting whose aim is to enable patients to achieve maximum functional independence considering the patient’s pre-amputation lifestyle, expectations, and limitations. Proper assessment of post-fitting practices among transfemoral amputees will shed more light on the progress of management amputees and establish the existing challenges and areas of concern that may need to be addressed by both the patients and health workers. The findings of the assessment may contribute to the overall prognosis of current and future post-fitting patients and offer a foundation for further research.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF IN-TOEING GAIT USING ABDUCTION SPLINT IN CHILDREN LESS THAN FIVE YEARS OF AGE AT JINJA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL. A PROPOSED STUDY.
Background of the study Globally in-toeing gait is the most common foot deformity in infants, occurring in 1-3/1000 children, and is one of the most common pediatric gait disturbances. Prompted by parental concerns, it accounts for many new patient specialist visits. A descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated parents’ involvement and policies guiding the management of children with foot deformities in Kenya revealing that more than half (54.6%) of the parents were actively involved in decision making whereas 45.6% were passively involved. The study aims to assess Parental involvement in the management of undergoing gait using abduction splints in children less than five years of age. Methodology A cross-sectional study. The study population will consist of 44 parents whose children have undergone gait at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital. Discussion There are consistently increasing cases of persistent in-toeing gait among children less than five years of age at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital. This is partly due to the failure of parents to get actively and fully involved in the management process of undergoing gait as recommended by health professionals. Parents are required to ensure serial casting, bracing, consistency, and gentle stretching of the leg and foot muscles and if in-toeing gait is associated with other medical conditions like cerebral palsy treatment should also focus on the laying treatment for better results. The study will aim to assess Parental involvement in the management of in-toeing gait using abduction splint in children less than five years of age by determining the practice, attitude, and knowledge of parents at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital. This may promote health education about in-toeing gait, early improvement of gait, and prevention of further deformities improving their mobility, independence, and social integration.
ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE USE OF KNEE BRACES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS AMONG PATIENTS AGED 36 YEARS AND ABOVE IN MULAGO NATIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
Background Patient’s beliefs about the effectiveness and safety of medications influence their choices of medication. This study aims to explore the attitude towards the use of knee braces in the management of knee osteoarthritis among patients aged 36 years and above at Mulago National Referral Hospital. Methodology The study was descriptive, and cross-sectional employing quantitative data collection approaches from 45 respondents. It included all male and female patients who were diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis in the Orthopedic workshop. Results The majority of respondents 64.4% had a poor attitude towards the use of knee braces. 32(71.1%) felt that knee brace appearance and design influence their use, and 29(64.4%) were not satisfied with the comfort of knee braces. 29(64.4%) did not believe that they were effective while 16(35.6%) believed that braces were effective. Out of 39 respondents, 30(76.9%) felt that braces were moderately effective, 5(12.8%) thought they were very effective and 4(10.2%) thought that knee braces were not effective at all. Out of 29 would not recommend braces to others, 10(38%) would not recommend them because they were expensive, 8(32%) because knee braces are difficult to maintain, 4(15%) because knee braces were not effective, and another 4(15%) because they were bulky. By age 3(6.6%) were aged 36-45 years, 5(11.1%) were aged 41-45years, 17 (37.7%) were aged 46-50years and the most respondents were 20(44.4%) aged 51 years and above. Conclusion Patients had alarming negative attitudes towards the use of Knee braces in the management of Knee OA which is more likely to affect their adherence to Knee Braces. Recommendation There should be adequate funding for public health education through awareness campaigns on the benefits of knee braces and other new effective management options for common diseases to address attitude constraints among the public.
PREVALENCE OF LUMBER SPINE PAIN AMONG HEALTH WORKERS WITH OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE AT LIRA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL-LIRA CITY. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
Background: Objectives: To determine the prevalence of lumber spine pain among health workers with occupational exposure at Lira Regional Referral Hospital-Lira City. Methods: The study employed a descriptive, cross-sectional study design to find the quantitative data. self-administered questionnaires and structured interviews were used to obtain data. The data was captured and analyzed using a statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20 software, summarized in frequency and percentages, and presented in tables and charts. Results: The prevalence of Lumber Spine Pain among health workers at Lira Regional Referral Hospital was 40%, the prevalence of Lumber Spine Pain was higher among female health workers 29 (28.9%) compared to 16 (11.1%) among male health workers. On the other hand, health workers whose primary job task was midwife 13(15.6) had a greater prevalence compared to other job tasks. Additionally, health workers with more years of working experience 23(10-15 years) had a higher prevalence than their counterparts with fewer years of work experience. Conclusion: The prevalence of Lumber Spine Pain among health workers at Lira Reginal Referral Hospital was high because the majority of the health worked for at least ten years. Recommendation: The government through MOH should recruit more Health Workers and lower the working hours from 8 to below to ensure all health workers get adequate resting periods before they can resume work in the next shift.
Individual factors influencing compliance to lumbar sacral orthosis usage among patients aged 40-60 years fitted at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala District. A cross-sectional study.
Background: Compliance with lumbar sacral orthosis (LSO) use is essential for effective management of low back pain. This study assessed individual factors influencing compliance with LSO usage among patients aged 40–60 years fitted at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala District. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 62 patients aged 40–60 years with low back pain who had been fitted with LSO at Mulago National Referral Hospital. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using interviewer-administered structured questionnaires containing open- and closed-ended questions. Data were analyzed using SPSS and presented in tables, charts, and percentages. Results: The majority of respondents were female (68.3%) and aged 56–60 years (51.6%). Most respondents (66%) had been diagnosed with low back pain, with 36.6% experiencing symptoms for more than one year. About 61% had previously received treatment, mainly topical analgesics (60%). Nearly half (49%) had been prescribed LSO. Among LSO users, 50% reported wearing the orthosis during certain activities, while 30% wore it daily. Half of the respondents rated comfort at the lowest scale level. More than half (60%) experienced discomfort or side effects, including pain. Additionally, 50% had used LSO for more than one year, suggesting perceived long-term benefits despite challenges. Conclusion: Compliance with LSO usage among patients aged 40–60 years was strongly influenced by comfort, side effects, perceived pain relief, and convenience during activities. Although many patients recognized benefits and continued long-term use, discomfort limited consistent adherence. Recommendations: Healthcare providers should conduct individualized fitting, regular follow-up adjustments, and patient education on correct LSO use. Improving orthosis comfort, design, and counseling may enhance compliance and treatment outcomes among patients with low back pain.