The effect of low back pain on functional disability and work limitation in iranian nurses working in hospital

 Today, low back pain (LBP) is one of the major challenges among occupational health professionals in various jobs. The objective of this study was to investigate the relation between work limitation and functional disability with LBP in Iranian nurses. 

 Overall, 400 subjects were examined systematic random sampling in this cross-sectional-comparative study. Participants were divided into the case (195 persons with LBP) and control (205 persons without LBP) groups. Data were collected using a comprehensive questionnaire including demographic information form, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Oswestry Disability Questionnaire, and Work Limitation Questionnaire. The collected data analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 20. 

 Findings showed that age, marital status, and family history were significantly associated with LBP (P < 0.001). The most common cause of back pain among nurses was work-related LBP (56.9%) and genetics (heredity) (30.2%). Furthermore, the mean score of functional disability and work limitation in the case group was higher than the control group (P < 0.001). 

 Although, based on statistical analyzes, the frequency distribution and mean score of functional disability, work limitation, and all subscales in the group with LBP were higher than the group without LBP, it seems that back pain does not put nurses in working functional disruptive conditions.