Methods. – We have conducted an inquiry among 350 employees at Fattouma Bourguiba teaching hospital. The employees have answered a pre-established questionnaire including 51 items.
Results. – The cumulative life-prevalence was 57.7%of the cases. The annual prevalence was 51.1%of the cases. Chronic LBP prevalence was 12.8%of the cases. Medical care was required in 61.9%of the cases. Radiological explorations were performed in 45%of the cases. Sick leave was observed in 26.1%of the cases and an occupational change was necessary in two cases. Factors associated to LBP were age (P < 0.01), female gender (P = 0.024), high BMI (P = 0.01), the fact of being married or divorced (P < 0.01), smoking (P = 0.016), past medical LBP history (P < 0.0001), extra professional activity (P < 0.01), migraine (P < 0.001), years’ service (P = 0.007) as well as heavy weight lifting (P = 0.008). Exercise is rather a protecting factor against LBP (P = 0.019).
Conclusion. – The prevalence of LBP among hospital staff as well as the socio-professional drawbacks is important. Many factors are associated to LBP urging medical teams to take some preventive measures to reduce this affliction.