Prevalence of low back pain and associated factors among nurses in Jordan

Prevalence of low back pain and associated factors among nurses working in public hospitals of Hawassa city, southern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Background

Low back pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal ailment that affects numerous individuals, particularly those in the workforce. Nurses, in particular, are highly susceptible to this condition. In developing countries, nurses may encounter physically demanding environments requiring them to lift or transfer patients or equipment without access to proper lifting aids. Such circumstances increase their chances of developing low back pain. Hence, it is crucial to determine the prevalence and risk factors of low back pain to assess the effect and suggest preventive measures.

Objective

This study aims to assess the prevalence of low back pain and associated factors among nurses working in public hospitals in Hawassa City, Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia, 2021.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 15 to Jun 15, 2021, among randomly selected 398 nurses working in public hospitals of Hawassa City, southern Ethiopia. Data were collected using a standard, modified Nordic Musculoskeletal assessment tool. The data was entered into EPI-Data version 4.6.0.2 and exported to STATA version 14.0 for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with the prevalence of low back pain. Significance was considered at p < 0.05 with a 95 % confidence interval.

Results

The study was conducted among 391 nurses, giving a response rate of 98.2 %.The one-year prevalence of low back pain was 242(61.9 %) with (95 % CI: 57%-66 %). Being female [AOR 1.82; 95%CI (1.07-3.08)], body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 [AOR 2.17; 95 %CI (1.24-3.79)], not getting assistance from coworkers [AOR 1.80; 95 % CI (1.07-3.02)] and not using of the assistive device were [AOR 1.77; 95 % CI (1.04-3.01)] were factors significantly associated with low back pain among nurses. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, a high proportion of nurses reported having low back pain among nurses in Hawassa public hospitals. The study suggests emphasizing the accessibility of assistive devices for patient care, having a balanced body weight, and working in collaboration among nurses to reduce the risk of low back pain among nurses.

The impact of different pain sites on the work-life balance of healthcare workers

BACKGROUND

Although the association of chronic pain with work-life balance has been studied, the interaction effect of multiple pain sites on work-life balance is yet to be studiedOBJECTIVE:To evaluate the most prevalent CP site among healthcare workers, the demographic characteristics of the individuals with the predominant pain type and to assess and compare the impact of each pain site on their work-life balance.

METHODS

Using the National Health Interview Survey data, data of 2,458 healthcare workers were analyzed. Chronic low back and hip pain were independent variables. The dependent variables were (1) if pain affected their family or significant other, (2) if pain limited their life or work activities, and (3) Usually working >35 hours/week. Multiple logistic regression and an interaction analysis was used to analyze the impact of different pain sites on work-life balance.

RESULTS

Among healthcare workers, chronic low back pain was more prevalent than chronic hip pain (69.4% vs 61.4%, p-value<0.001). Respondents with chronic low back pain were mostly 40 - 64 years of age (49.6%), females (71.2%), white (77.6%), married (55.5%), had no college degree (85.4%), earn greater than $75,000 (50.0%). In the interaction analysis, in the presence of chronic hip pain those with chronic low back pain had an AOR of 2.20 (1.05 - 4.64), p-value 0.038 of chronic low back pain affecting their family and significant others, and an AOR of 2.18 (1.17-4.05), p-value 0.014 of chronic low back pain affecting their life or work.

CONCLUSION

Chronic low back pain was more prevalent than chronic hip pain among healthcare workers. Together both pain sites had a significant impact on the work-life balance of healthcare workers. Longitudinal studies should assess other dimensions of work-life balance and chronic pain.

Factors Related to Mental Health of Foreign Care Workers in Long-Term Care Facilities in Japan during the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Comparative Study

This study aimed to evaluate the factors related to the mental health of foreign care workers in Japan's long-term care (LTC) facilities and compare their results with those of native care workers. We conducted a cross-sectional survey covering 80 LTC facilities across Japan between August and November 2021. The survey mainly included mental health, workload, reward, sense of coherence, loneliness, COVID-19-specific factors and sociodemographic variables. The results show that workload was a distinct feature associated with the mental health of foreign care workers (n = 172) when compared with those of native care workers (n = 154). In addition, we found that the relationship between cultural adaptation and mental health in a sample of foreign care workers was mediated by loneliness and sense of coherence (SOC). Finally, we found that reward, loneliness, SOC, and COVID-19-specific factors had significant impacts on the mental health of both foreign and native care workers. These findings highlight the importance of support measures from the workplace for foreign care workers. Workplace interventions that focus on workload, reward, and sense of coherence strategies are required to address mental health improvement and may still be of value in dealing with the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

Healthcare worker choice and low back force between self-chosen and highest bed height when boosting a patient up in bed

Healthcare workers have a high rate of low back injury due to patient handling tasks. These workers receive training in patient handling methods such as adjusting bed height, but often ignore them. In this study, 35 healthcare workers completed patient boosts at a self-chosen bed height and again with the bed in a higher standardised position. Motion capture and force data were collected for analysis. Given the choice, less than half of participants adjusted the bed at all and none of them moved the bed to the highest position (99.1 cm). The self-chosen bed position yielded significantly higher low back force than the higher position at L4-L5 and L5-S1 (p = 0.02, p = 0.01 respectively). Low back forces can be reduced by raising the bed prior to engaging in patient handling tasks, which is a simple step that can reduce forces placed on healthcare workers' low backs. Practitioner summary: Healthcare workers experience high rates of low back pain secondary to patient handling tasks. In this cross-sectional crossover study, healthcare workers consistently chose a low bed height when boosting a patient, which resulted in higher low back loads compared to the highest bed height.

Pain Among Latvian Workers: General Prevalence vs. Registered Occupational Diseases

The problem of painful and disabling work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is increasing in many employment sectors of Latvia. Official statistics may underestimate the proportion of affected employees, causing delays in preventive interventions, ineffective rehabilitation, and a reduction of the workforce. This study investigated the prevalence of painful health conditions among Latvian workers by analyzing survey data and comparing these to official statistics on registered occupational diseases (ODs). A total of 2,446 workers participated in the state-level “Work conditions and risks in Latvia, 2017–2018” survey that included questions about pain lasting longer than 3 days during the previous year. The frequency of subjective reports on the presence, severity, and location of pain and related behaviors was assessed in relation to sex, age, education, and job position. Descriptive statistics and cross tabulation with the chi-squared test as well as multinomial logistic regression were applied to the data. Overall, 27.7% of respondents (n = 678) reported experiencing pain, predominantly in the lower back (14.3%) and mostly moderate (47.1%) or severe (45.1%). Only one-fifth of respondents (20.5%) took sick leave from work and one-third (29.0%) did not take action to alleviate their pain. Participants aged 55–74 years had a significantly higher odds ratio (OR) for pain in at least one body region—including hands and legs—than those aged 18–24 years. Women had significantly higher odds of headache (OR = 2.55) and neck pain (OR = 1.85) than men. Respondents with a primary or elementary education level had higher odds of pain in at least one body region (OR = 1.60) and in the lower back (OR = 1.86), while those with secondary education had higher odds of pain in hands (OR = 1.51) than employees with higher education. Unskilled workers had significantly higher odds of pain in hands (OR = 2.42) and legs (OR = 2.12) than directors. Official data revealed a dramatic increase in the proportion of MSDs and related disabilities in the last decade, reaching 75.5% of all first registered ODs in 2019. These results demonstrate a high prevalence of painful conditions among Latvian employees; urgent attention to diagnostics, treatment, and prevention is needed to ensure the musculoskeletal health and productivity of this population.

Non-specific Low Back Pain Among Nurses in Qassim, Saudi Arabia

Introduction

Non-specific low back pain (LBP) is a complex and multifactorial health problem. Evidence has shown that LBP is an important occupational hazard and nurses are particularly at high risk. While several studies have addressed the prevalence of LBP worldwide, the prevalence of LBP in Saudi Arabia remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of LBP among nurses in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This was a multicenter cross-sectional study carried out in four major public hospitals in the Qassim region. A total of 323 nurses were recruited through a two-stage sampling method. A previously validated questionnaire was used to gather data. The main outcome measures were; LBP prevalence during working life, demographic factors, lifestyle factors, work-related factors, and psychological factors. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors independently associated with LBP. 

Results

The study showed that LBP prevalence was 65.6% (n=212). Over one-third of the study, participants sought treatment for LBP (n=82, 38.7%). Age and the type of ward were found significantly associated with LBP [adjusted odds ratios (aOR): 0.39; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.19, 0.77; p value=0.007] & (aOR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.86; p-value =0.02), respectively. However, gender, working hours, number of patients, stress, and smoking were not identified as LBP risk factors in this study.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that LBP is a highly prevalent occupational health problem among nurses in Qassim. Young nurses 20-30 years are more likely to suffer from LBP, while nurses working in the general surgery wards have a lower risk for LBP in this study. On-the-job training is essential particularly for new and young nurses on proper body mechanics when mobilizing patients or lifting heavy equipment. In addition, there is a need for evidence-based interventions to improve the workplace environment for nurses in hospitals in order to lower LBP prevalence.

The factors of non-specific chronic low back pain in nurses: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have investigated factors for non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) in nurses, and have reached different conclusions. Evidence-based recommendations are required for the prevention and treatment of NSCLBP in nurses.

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis aimed to systematically review and quantify the factors of NSCLBP in nurses.

METHODS

Eleven databases were searched. The odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using meta-analysis, and either a fixed-effect or random-effect model was used based on heterogeneity across included studies.

RESULTS

Eighteen publications including 11,752 nursing staff were included. Being female (pooled estimate [95% CI], 1.56 [1.24-1.96]; P< 0.001), married (1.89 [1.38-2.60]; P< 0.001), overweight (0.63 [0.43-0.93]; P= 0.02), working at least 10 years (0.65 [0.48-0.89]; P= 0.007), and working night shifts (2.19 [1.16-4.21]; P= 0.02) were positively related to NSCLBP. Junior college education (0.60 [0.47-0.77]; P< 0.001) and job satisfaction (0.58 [0.47-0.73]; P< 0.001) were negatively related. Age (0.80 [0.50-1.27]; P= 0.34) and physical exercise (0.99 [0.39-2.49]; P= 0.98) were not related.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first meta-analysis to quantify the risk factors for NSCLBP in nurses. Being female, married, working night shifts, overweight, working at least 10 years and dissatisfied with work are risk factors. High-quality prospective studies are required to validate the findings of this study.

The prevalence of upper quadrants work-related musculoskeletal disorders and their predictors among registered nurses

BACKGROUND

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent a significant health challenge facing nurses. However, very few studies investigated the prevalence of WMSDs among nurses and their predictors comprehensively using a valid and reliable set of standardized outcome measures.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence WMSDs of upper quadrants and their predictors among registered nurses in Jordanian hospitals.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study recruited 597 registered nurses from different hospitals in Jordan. A self-administered survey distributed in targeted hospitals wards. Outcome measures included Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), sociodemographic data, and manual handling and work habits. Prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints was reported using descriptive analysis. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of WMSDs at each upper quadrant body site.

RESULTS

Twelve-month WMSDs prevalence was the highest at the neck (61.1%), followed by the upper back (47.2%), shoulders (46.7%), wrist and hands (27.3%), and finally at the elbow (13.9%). Being a female, poor sleep quality, high physical activity level, poor ergonomics, increased workload, and mental stress were significant predictors of increased upper quadrant WMSDs among nurses.

CONCLUSIONS

Upper quadrant WMSDs among nurses in Jordan are highly prevalent. Identified significant predictors of these WMSDs should be given full consideration by clinicians and health policymakers. Future studies are needed to reveal the progressive nature of upper quadrant WMSDs and strategies to modify their risk factors.

Predictors and prevalence of lower quadrant work-related musculoskeletal disorders among hospital-based nurses: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent a significant problem for nurses. It is thus important to investigate nurses' WMSDs prevalence and comprehensive predictors including motor, mental, and lifestyle factors.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence and predictors of lower quadrant WMSDs among Jordanian nurses.

METHODS

A cross-sectional design, using self-administered questionnaires, was utilized. Outcome measures included Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), sociodemographic data, and self-reported work ergonomics. Descriptive analyses were used to determine lower quadrant WMSDs prevalence and regression analyses were used to assess their predictors.

RESULTS

A total of 597 nurses participated in the study. Twelve-month prevalence of lower quadrant WMSDs were 77.4% in lower back, 22.3% in hips, 37.5% in knees, and 28.5% in ankles and feet. Older age, longer years of experience, high workload, poor work habits and ergonomics, high physical activity level, availability of patient handling equipment, handling policies, stress, and anxiety were significant predictors (p< 0.05) of lower quadrant WMSDs.

CONCLUSIONS

Jordanian nurses have a high prevalence of lower quadrant WMSDs. Many modifiable risk factors of WMSDs were identified. Future studies need to design effective treatment and preventive strategies for nurses' WMSDs to improve their work efficiency and wellbeing.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal low back pain among registered nurses: Results of an online survey

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and the use of lifting aids and ergonomics among Czech registered nurses.

BACKGROUND

Low back pain is the most common occupational health problem affecting nurses. Frequent manual lifting of heavy loads, including patients, is one of the main duties of nursing staff, which causes compressive and shear forces on the vertebrae of the lower spine. Training in manual handling and lifting aids reduce the physical burden on the musculoskeletal system, thus decreasing work-related back injuries and further back problems.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional survey.

METHODS

The online survey was distributed to 1460 randomly selected nurses involved in caring for patients. The survey comprised the extended version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and a self-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using STATA 15 at a significance level of 0.05.

RESULTS

Of the 569 respondents, 84.7% reported high occurrence of LBP over the previous 12-month period. The lower back was the most commonly reported body region for pain, followed by the neck, shoulders and upper back. LBP was found to occur significantly less among nursing staff who used mechanical lifting aids. Nurses with a higher level of education were found significantly more likely to use mechanical patient-lifting equipment in their clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings show that LBP is a frequent problem among nurses and has highlighted a lack of organisational safety practices and culture in clinical nursing practice.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This study provides valuable information about the extent of LBP among nurses with insufficient preventive measures or health and safety practices at work. The results provide useful baseline data for the Czech Republic, that may lead to increased awareness and therefore implementation of preventative strategies, and thus enable a reduction in the risk of back injuries among nursing professionals.

Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Associated Risk Factors among Nurses at King Abdulaziz University Hospital

AIM

To determine the prevalence of LBP and the associated risk factors among nurses at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study design was adopted with a convenience sample of 234 nurses recruited from nine different departments at KAUH in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Participants completed the questionnaire, which had two parts: Part I: Socio-demographic data, medical factors, and work-related factors; and Part II: Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to obtain data. Data collection was carried out from March to April 2020. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 22.

RESULTS

Cumulative prevalence of LBP was 82.9%, annual prevalence was 85.5%, while one-week prevalence of LBP was 53.6%. The factor significantly associated with LBP over the past 12 months was manual lifting of patients (p = 0.030). Nurses working in surgical wards had higher prevalence of LBP. About 24.7% of them changed their working unit, hospitalization was necessary for 11.9%, and 39.8% sought medical care.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from this study may better enable policymakers to adopt certain strategies toward reducing the burdens and challenges of LBP among nurses.

The Yield of Lumbosacral Spine MRI in Patients with Isolated Chronic Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

The role of routine lumbosacral MRI in patients presented with isolated chronic low back pain (CLBP) is still unclear. Most patients with CLBP will show diverting degenerative changes on MRI. As it is uncertain whether surgical treatment of degenerative MRI changes results in alleviation of back pain or not, the necessity of doing a diagnostic lumbosacral MRI remains questionable. This study aimed to evaluate the yield of lumbosacral MRI among Jordanian patients presented with isolated CLBP.

Methods

We reviewed medical records of all patients who presented to neurosurgery outpatient clinic at Jordan University Hospital from December 2016 to December 2019. Only patients with a chief complaint of isolated CLBP were included. We obtained the relevant data from the computerized medical files and detailed radiological findings from their MRI reports.

Results

One hundred and sixty-seven patients (167) matched the inclusion criteria. We reported positive findings in MRI in 112 patients (67%), but 55 patients (32.93%) had normal MRI findings. Dehydration of intervertebral disc was the most common finding. Positive MRI findings were most evident in the middle-age group (41–60 years old). Disc protrusion finding in middle-aged females was significantly less prevalent than males (P = 0.012).

Conclusion

Jordanian patients presented with CLBP have similar worldwide patterns of lumbar degenerative changes. Providing that near one-third of patients with CLBP have normal MRI findings, we suggest following a streamlined protocol for imaging of patients presented with CLBP to reduce healthcare costs.

The prevalence of low back pain among female hospital staff at childbearing age

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is considered the most common work-related musculoskeletal disorder among female healthcare workers. The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence of LBP and non-ergonomic risk factors between female nurses, office workers, and patient transporters, and the effect of pain on job performance.

Methods

Based on semi-structured interviews, we conducted a cross-sectional study on Jordanian female hospital workers between January and July, 2017.

Results

We included 209 participants with a mean age of 35.57 ± 8 years from four Jordanian medical centers. Nurses have significantly higher frequency of LBP (82.5%; p = 0.05) compared to both office workers (67.5%) and patient transporters (68.6%). The mean difference in pain score using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) after treatment varied significantly (p = 0.003), since it was 28.2 (±35.4) for office workers, compared to 22.8 (±26.5) for nurses and 6.5 (±33.7) for patient transporters. A higher frequency of nurses reported that LBP affected their job performance (64.9%; p = 0.013), and 43.3% of them reported having previous sick leaves due to LBP (p = 0.008).

Conclusions

LBP is common among female hospital workers, with significantly higher prevalence among female nurses when compared to other female hospital staff.

PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH NONSPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN IN NURSING WORKERS

ABSTRACT Objective: to determine the prevalence and factors associated with nonspecific low back pain in nursing workers in a public hospital in the South of the country. Method: a cross-sectional study involving 301 nursing workers. Data collection was carried out from May to October 2017 and, in addition to a questionnaire with sociodemographic, work, health conditions, lifestyle and psychosocial conditions, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used as a screening tool for low back pain and the Self Report Questionnaire to assess the possibility of minor psychiatric disorders. The Chi-Square test was used to analyze the association between variables, and multivariate analysis with Binary Logistic Regression to estimate the Odds Ratio and the 95% confidence intervals. Results: the prevalence of nonspecific low back pain was 51.4% (95% CI: 45.5-57.3) in the last 12 months and 45.4% (95% CI: 39.4-51.3) in the last seven days, and limitation for activities of daily living and work of 18.1% (95% CI: 13.5-22.7). The presence of other diseases and psychosocial and psychological factors increased the chances of presenting or low back pain discomfort. Conclusion: the results demonstrate the need for greater attention to nursing workers, mainly related to the presence of musculoskeletal pain and to their mental suffering.

Low Back Pain and Its Associated Factors among Nurses in Public Hospitals of Penang, Malaysia

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and its associated factors among the nurses working in the public hospitals of Penang, Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on nurses, aged 25–60 years, who had been working for at least three months at six public hospitals of Penang. A proportionate stratified random sampling method was applied to select 1292 respondents. The Malay-validated BACKS Tool questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale was used to obtain data. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: A total of 989 (76.5%) nurses suffered from LBP at a point of time. The factors significantly associated with LBP among the nurses included working more than seven hours [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) 1.48 (1.06, 1.98)], twisting of the body while working [AOR (95% CI) 1.60 (1.13, 2.26)], manual handling of patients in wards [AOR (95% CI) 1.44 (1.08, 2.07)], and fatigue [AOR (95% CI) 2.63 (1.94, 3.58)]. Conclusion: The prevalence of LBP among the nurses in the public hospitals of Penang was relatively high. The factors predicting LBP included working more than seven hours a day, twisting of the body while working, manual handling, and fatigue. The findings from this study may better enable policymakers to devote resources to minimize low back pain among nurses. The nurses should be encouraged to comply with safe working procedures.

Non-specific low back pain and its relation to the nursing work process

OBJECTIVE

to relate nonspecific low back pain within the nursing work context with their workloads, attrition processes and the risks of illness.

METHOD

a cross-sectional study with 301 workers from a general hospital in the south of the country. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Work Context Assessment Scale composed of three dimensions were used: working conditions, work organization and socio-professional relations. The association of variables with low back pain was tested using bivariate and multivariate analyzes. The measure of association used was the Odds Ratio and its respective intervals with 95% confidence. The data collected were discussed under the theoretical framework of the work process within the marxist conception and the theory of social determination of the health-disease process.

RESULTS

there was a statistically significant association between the dimensions of work organization and working conditions with low back pain and they obtained a critical classification meaning moderate risks to the professional illness.

CONCLUSION

the study allowed a better understanding of the nursing work process and its relation with nonspecific low back pain and signaled that changes in the organization and working conditions should occur in order to reduce the risks of nursing workers' illness.