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, 2011

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. This descriptive- co relational study was conducted on 244 out of 260 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<0. 05). The findings showed that 55% of the nurses have different intensity of low back pain (LBP). The LBP and monthly working hours (r=0. 55)، LBP and functional disability (r=0. 53)، LBP and age (r =0. 30)، and LBP and record of services (0. 29) were significantly correlated، But it was not the case for LBP and gender. Based on the findings that about 55% 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.