Prevalence of low back pain amongst nurses at Edendele hospital.

Abstract

Introduction. Low back pain is an important public health problem affecting 70-85% of the population worldwide and is a common cause of work-related disability. At Edendale Hospital, the physiotherapy nursing case load related to the management of low back pain increased from 30% to 45% over the past 3 years. The risk factors for low back pain at Edendale Hospital remain unclear and it is not clear whether low back pain is more prevalent in certain wards. Knowing the risk factors contributing to the prevalence of low back pain at the Hospital will assist nursing and hospital managers to plan appropriate interventions to minimize the occurrence. Methods. An observational cross sectional study with an analytic component was implemented. Data was collected utilizing a self- administered questionnaire to determine the prevalence of low back pain amongst nurses at the Hospital. Bivariate analyses and logistic regressions were performed to determine the risk factors associated with low back pain. Results. The point prevalence of current low back pain was 59%, of chronic low back pain was 47% and occupational low back pain was 57%. Logistic regression revealed bending and working in orthopaedic, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology is significantly associated with low back pain. Conclusion. Occupational factors are strongly associated with low back pain. Thus workplace interventions are required.