Factors associated with low back pain in hospital employees

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.