Determination of the prevalence of low back pain among nurses working in hospitals

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this descriptive research was to determine the prevalence low back pain (LBP), graduated according to the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), seen among nurses. Material and Methods: The study consisted of 163 nurses working in Bandirma Kapida? and M. Güven Karahan State Hospitals. Data was collected by using questionnaires and ODI without sampling from January 5 to February 5, 2006. Permission was obtained from the hospitals and nurses before starting the study. The data was analyzed in SPSS by using descriptive statistics and chis-quared test. Results: The mean age of nurses in the study was 34.51±6.71 years. 39.9% of the nurses had experienced an episode of LBP. The mean score of ODI was 7.06±4.61 and 69.2% of the injured group had moderate functional disability. There was a statistical correlation between LBP and working period, sleep regime and income level (p<0.05). There was no statistical correlation between LBP and educational status, working unit, and shift (p>0.05). Conclusion: In view of the results of this study; we recommend that nurses be trained to prevent LBP and given a regular exercise program for increasing the strength and endurance of the back muscles and the ergonomic arrangement of workplaces should be carried out.