Non- Specific Low Back Pain among Nurses in Qassim, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract Background: Non-specific Low back pain (LBP) is a complex and multifactorial health problem. Evidence has shown that LBP is an important occupational hazard and nurses are particularly at high risk. While several studies have addressed the prevalence of LBP worldwide, the prevalence of LBP in Saudi Arabia remains unclear. In this study we aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of LBP among nurses in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study carried out in four major public hospitals in Qassim region. A total of 323 nurses were recruited through a two-stage sampling method. A previously validated questionnaire was used to gather data. The main outcome measures were; LBP prevalence during working life, demographic factors, life-style factors, work-related factors and psychological factors. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors independently associated with LBP. Results: The study showed that LBP prevalence was 65.6%. Over one third of study participants sought treatment for LBP (38.7%). Age and the type of ward were found significantly associated with LBP (aOR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.77; p value=0.007) & (aOR: 0.36; 95%CI: 0.15, 0.86; p value =0.02), respectively. However, gender, working hours, number of patients, stress and smoking were not identified as LBP risk factors in this study.Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that LBP is a highly prevalent occupational health problem among nurses in Qassim. The highest LBP prevalence in this study was found among nurses aged 20-30 year. Nurses working in the general surgery wards showed a lower risk for LBP. On-the-job training is essential particularly for new and young nurses on proper body mechanics when mobilizing patients or lifting heavy equipment. In addition, there is a need for evidence –based interventions to improve the work-place environment for nurses in hospitals in order to lower LBP prevalence.