Factors associated with low back pain in hospital employees
Date
2009-05-15T11:28:01Z
Authors
Naude, Benita
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Abstract
Introduction
Low back pain can be influenced by demographic, lifestyle and co-morbid
factors. No studies have been done on the relationship between these factors
and low back pain in hospital employees in South Africa. The aim of this study
was to determine which of these factors was present and how they influenced
low back pain in staff employed at a district hospital in South Africa.
Methods
The study used a self-administered questionnaire on staff employed at the
hospital.
Results
Results indicated that the point prevalence for low back pain was 47%.
Most of the employees were female nurses aged between 26 and 40 years with
BMI values higher than normal. The majority of the employees participated in
exercises although this was mainly for 1 to 2 times a week. Among the
demographic factors, only female gender was associated with increased risk of
low back pain (OR 1,67 CI 1,04 ; 2,69) while for the lifestyle factors, participation
in group exercises was a protective factor against low back pain (OR 1,66 CI
1,02 ; 2,70). Perceived stress all the time increased the risk of low back pain
(OR 3,47 CI 1,46 ; 8,23). None of the isolated co-morbid diseases were
associated with the presence of low back pain.
Conclusion
The prevalence of low back pain among Tshwane district hospital employees is
high. Female gender and a high level of perceived stress increase the risk of low
back pain while participation in group exercise reduces the risk of low back pain.
Description
Keywords
low back pain, hospital employees