A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol on low back pain prevalence and associated factors among nurses in Ethiopia

Abstract Introduction: Nurses frequently experience low back pain (LBP), which is a serious health problem that impairs both their physical and occupational well-being. Objective: To review and synthesis the prevalence and associated factors of Low Back Pain among Nurses in Ethiopia. Method: Databases such as PubMed, EMBASE and Google scholar will be searched. Inclusion criteria included articles with prevalence of LBP and associated factors among Nurses in Ethiopia. The keywords “prevalence, associated factors, low back pain, nurses”, and “Ethiopia” will be used as part of this search. For data extraction, a form will be designed that included the following variables: Author names, sample size, age, gender, marital status, work experience, body mass index, job type, smoking status, year of publication, type of standard questionnaire, prevalence of LBP, studies’ quality score and associated factors. Data analysis will be carried out using random effects model. Heterogeneity between studies will be assessed by using the I2 and Q tests. This review will be reported following the PRISMA Guidelines for Meta- Analysis and Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies. Discussion: This systematic review and meta-analysis will be among the first to thoroughly examine and consolidate the available evidence on the prevalence and factors associated with Low Back Pain among Nurses in Ethiopia. The study's findings will guide future research and offer practitioners and clinicians insights into the nature and consequences of workplace injuries among nurses, suggesting appropriate interventions. Systematic review registration: The protocol has been registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; registration number: CRD42024552833)