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

Abstract

BackgroundLow 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. ObjectiveThis 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. MethodsAn 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. ResultsThe 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.