Prevalence of low back pain amongst nurses at Edendele hospital.
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Date
2010
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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.
Description
Thesis (M.Med.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.
Keywords
Backache--Case studies., Nurses.