Low Back Pain among Nurses: Prevalence, and Occupational Risk Factors

Abstract

Objectives: Low back pain is a major occupational problem especially among nursing staff. The objectives of our study are to evaluate the prevalence of low back pain among nurses and to look for physical and psychosocial risk factors. Methods: It is a cross-sectional study based on a self-administered questionnaire destined for all nurses working in Farhat Hached Teaching hospital of Sousse (Tunisia). Results: Our study included 203 nurses with an average age of 39.8 years. The prevalence of low back pain over the last twelve months was 58.1%. The factors that are significantly associated to low back pain were: high BMI, number of pregnancies, arthritis, poor physical condition, daily frequency of inappropriate posture for the activity being performed, and the layout of materials in the workplace. Conclusion: Our study evidenced the high prevalence of LBP among nurses and allowed bringing to light the role of individual and ergonomic physical factors in the genesis of LBP. Such identification permits to undertake targeted preventive actions. The association between psychosocial factors and LBP was not emphasized.

Development and validation of the Occupational Back Pain Prevention Behaviors Questionnaire in nursing personnel

“…The purpose of this study was to design and psychometric appraise the tool to measure occupational low back pain preventive behaviors among nurses. The initial items were originated and developed based on data from a qualitative study and literature on studies of job-related low back pain in nursing personnel (16)(17)(18)(19). The statements for this instrument were prepared through literature review and biopsychosocial characteristics for low back pain among the nursing professionals.…”

Relation between body mechanics performance and nurses’ exposure of work place risk factors on the low back pain prevalence

“…Also the study by Boughattas et al (2017) [15] found high prevalence rate of LBP among Tunisian nurses. a regular physical activity and reducing nurses' overweight, as well as training them on proper patients' handling would help to reduce LBP.…”

“…LBP can be reduced by certain prevention strategies and training courses with great emphasis on psychosocial risk factors and improving work environment. Finally, Boughattas et al (2017) [15] report that LBP is widely investigated in western countries, but in Tunisia, like in other countries perhaps, there is limited information about its' prevalence and risk factors.…”

Nurses perspectives about context specific job factors and coping strategies for back pain experiences among nurses in Lusaka, Zambia: A qualitative study

“…Although these outcomes for high income and lower to middle income countries are compared, it is important to note that the work conditions and the contextual factors of these settings may not be comparable (Semachew et al, 2018). For high income countries, the actual conditions and standards for nursing work may be better, compared to those of lower to middle income countries which often operate on limited heath care budgets and are compounded by a higher disease burden (Boughattas et al, 2017).…”