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Background: Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders among the working population. Nurses are suffering much from this morbidity. In developing countries, nurses are exposed to lift and transfer patients or equipment in difficult environments when lifting aids are either unavailable or impracticable, exposing them to ergonomic risks and low back pain. Therefore, identifying the prevalence and risk factors for low back pain will aid in assessing the risk and recommending prevention methods.
Objective: To assess the prevalence of low back pain and associated factors among nurses working in public hospitals in Hawassa, Sidama Region, Ethiopia 2021.
Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Hawassa Sidama region public hospitals from May 15th to 15th June 2021. Study subjects were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a standard, modified Nordic Musculoskeletal assessment tool. The data were entered into EPI-Data version 4.6.0.2 and analyzed by STATA version 14.0 applications. To identify factors associated with low back pain, a bivarable logistic regression model was used. Finally, in multivariable analysis, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with corresponding confidence intervals (CI) were computed, and those variables with a p-value of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Result: A total of 391 subjects participated in this study with a response rate of 98.2%. The one-year prevalence of Low Back Pain was 242(61.89%) with (95% CI: 57%-66%). Being female [AOR 1.82; 95%CI (1.07-3.08)], body mass index (BMI) ≥25Kg/m2 [AOR 2.17; 95 %CI (1.24-3.79)], not getting assistance from co-workers [AOR 1.80; 95% CI (1.07-3.02)] and not using assistive device [AOR 1.77; 95% CI (1.04-3.01)] were significantly associated factors with low back pain among nurses. Conclusions: In this study, a high proportion of nurses reported having low back pain among nurses in Hawassa public hospitals. Policymakers and concerned bodies better emphasize on the accessibility of assistive devices for patient care to reduce the risk of Low Back Pain among nurses. |
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