Belay M.1, Lambiso B.2, Worku A.3, Abay S.4
1Addis Ababa University, Physiotherapy, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2Addis Ababa University, Orthopedics and Traumatology, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 3Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Nutrition, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 4Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Research, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Background: Low back pain (LBP) related to Nursing Profession, is a very common public health problem throughout the world. Various risk factors have been implicated in the etiology and LBP is assumed to be of multi-factorial origin as individual, work-related and psychosocial factors can contribute to its development. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and to identify the risk factors of LBP among Nurses working in Addis Ababa City Public Hospitals, Ethiopia, in the year 2015. Addis Ababa University, Black-Lion ('Tikur Anbessa') Hospital-BLH, is the country's highest tertiary level referral and teaching Hospital. The three departments in connection with this study: Radiology, Pathology and Orthopedics, run undergraduate and residency programs and receive referred patients from all over the country.
Purpose: The primary purpose of this Study was to investigate prevalence and Risk Factors of LBP among Nurses working in Public Hospitals of Addis Ababa region.
Methods: A cross-sectional study with internal comparison was conducted throughout the period October-December, 2015. Sample was chosen by simple random sampling technique by taken the lists of Nurses from human resource departments as a sampling frame. A well-structured, pre-tested and selfadministered questionnaire was used to collect quantifiable information. The questionnaire included socio-demographic, back pain features, consequences of back pain, work-related and psychosocial factors. The collected data was entered in to epiinfo version 3.5.4 and was analyzed by SPSS. A probability level of 0.05 or less and 95% confidence level was used to indicate statistical significance. Ethical clearance was obtained from all respected administrative bodies, Hospitals and study participants.
Results: The study included 395 Nurses and gave a response rate of 91.9%. The mean age was 30.6 (±8.4) years. Majority of the respondents were female (285, 72.2%). Nearly half of the participants (n=181, 45.8% (95% CI (40.8%- 50.6%))) were complained Low Back Pain. There were statistical significant association between Low Back Pain and working shift, physical activities at work; sleep disturbance and felt little pleasure by doing things.
Conclusion(s): A high prevalence of Low Back Pain was found among Nurses working in Addis Ababa Public Hospitals. Recognition & Preventive measures like providing resting periods should be taken to reduce the risk of Low Back Pain in Nurses working in Public hospitals.
Implications: Comprehensive Preventive measures should be taken to reduce the risk of LBP by arranging proper rest periods, healthier schedules and proper use of body mechanics. Improving Nurse staffing and reducing the frequency of night shifts are suggested to decrease prevalence of LBP. Future research might include; lifestyle at home and number of childrens together with Nurses working in Governmental and Private sectors for better additional information.
Funding acknowledgements: Addis Continental Institute of Public Health Institute
Topic: Musculoskeletal: spine
Ethics approval: Ethical clearance was obtained from Addis continental institute of public health, Addis Ababa health Office, study subjects & respected bodies.
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
