Prevalence of low back pain and its associated risk factors among staff nurses of Lumbini Provincial Hospital Nepal.

Abstract

Background: Low Back Pain (LBP) is defined as pain localized between the 12th rib and the inferior gluteal folds, with or without leg pain. Low Back Pain (LBP) is the most common skeletal disorder worldwide experienced by 50% to 80% of people at least once in their lifetime. It is the third leading cause of physicians’ visits. Objective: The objectives of the study are to determine the prevalence of low back pain and its associated risk factors among nursing staffs of LPH. Methodology: Ananalytical cross sectional study method was conducted to assess the prevalence and associated risk factor of low back pain among nurses of Lumbini Provincial Hospital; Butwal, Nepal. Results: The result of this study shows that the prevalence of low back pain was found to be 28.3% in nursing staffs. The result showed that only few nurses of Lumbini Provincial Hospital had low back pain. Socio demographic variables as well as risk factors associated were analyzed using different statistical tests and re sult was interpreted. The prevalence of low back pain was high amongst staff nurses aged of 0-30 years, married with less than 2 childrens and non-obese respondents. Previous history of low back pain was highly significantly associated with low back pain (P=0.000). Risk factors such as experience in hospital (p = 0.024), continue work when injured or hurt (p= 0.022), lifting or transferring dependent patient (p=0.007), work schedule i.e. overtime, on call, irregular shifts (p=0.011) and perform same task over and over (p=0.037) were associated with low back pain. Conclusion: Thus, the study concluded that LBP is a widespread disease affecting nurses. Thus, periodic screening of nurses for LBP may help to identify nurses at risk and prevent major physical injury. Regular in service education on body postures, maintenance of physical fitness and body mechanics may create awareness among nurses to take precautions. Keywords: Risk factors, Low back Pain, Nurses