The Prevalence of Low Back Pain and its Correlation with Some Occupational Factors and Demographic Characteristics of the Nurses Working in the Hospitals Affiliated with Social Security Organization in Isfahan , ۲۰۱۱

Background and Objective: Back pain is one of the most common and most costly occupational injuries . Due to the nature of nursing career, low- back pain is highly prevalent in nurses. The aim of this study was to survey the prevalence of low-back pain and its correlation with nurses’ demographic characteristics and occupational factors in hospitals of Isfahan, Iran. Material and Methods: This descriptive- co relational study was conducted on ۲۴۴ out of ۲۶۰ nurses selected via stratified random sampling . Using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Functional Disability Questionnaire (ODQ), the Pain and functional disability variables were measured, respectively. To analyze the data, we used independent t-test and correlation coefficient-(p<۰.۰۵). Results: The findings showed that ۵۵% of the nurses have different intensity of low back pain (LBP). The LBP and monthly working hours (r=۰.۵۵), LBP and functional disability (r=۰.۵۳), LBP and age(r =۰.۳۰), and LBP and record of services (۰.۲۹) were significantly correlated, But it was not the case for LBP and gender. Conclusion: Based on the findings that about ۵۵% of the nurses suffer from low- back pain, it seems that a comprehensive change in life style and physical activity pattern of the nurses are paramount importance.