INDIVIDUAL FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO LOW BACK PAIN AMONG NURSES AT ST. PETER’S HEALTH CENTRE III BUSIBO IN LWENGO DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background

Low back pain is a major occupational health problem and also one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders, especially among nurses with significant activity limitation, functional disability, job absenteeism, and huge economic burden.

 Methodology

A descriptive cross-sectional study with quantitative methods of data collection was employed which involved 40 respondents selected by convenient sampling method. Data was collected using pre-tested questionnaires.

Results

The majority of the respondents 19(48%) were aged between 26-35 years, majority of the respondents 20(50%) were Catholics, majority of the respondents 24(60%) were married, majority of the respondents 22(55%) had up to certificate level of nursing. Manual lifting of patients 38(95%), more than 5 years of working experience 26(65%), and long work hours 24(60%) contributed to low back pain among nurses.

 Conclusion

Factors such as being female, manual lifting of patients, more than 5 years of working experience, and long work hours, contributed to low back pain among nurses.

 Recommendation

Group exercises should be encouraged in the prevention and long-term management of low back pain.