Effects of patient-handling and individual factors on the prevalence of low back pain among nursing personnel.

BACKGROUND: Patient-handling is one of the main tasks of nursing personnel; it imposes compressive and shear forces on nurses' lower spine. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Low Back Pain (LBP), risk factors in the incidence of such disorders, and patient handling risk assessment among nursing personnel.

METHODS: This study was carried out on 243 randomly selected nursing personnel who played a role in handling the patients (58 wards). Patient Transfer Assessment Instrument (PTAI) checklists alongside Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaires (NMQ) were used for data collection. The statistical analyses such as independent t-test and Chi-Square test were used.

RESULTS: Prevalence of LBP among nursing personal was 69.5% in the previous 12 months. Significant correlations were found among age, working hours per week, work experience, BMI, gender and shift-work. Results of PTAI index assessment revealed that more than 90% of subjects were in medium and severe risks of LBP. PTAI index scores were significantly associated with LBP (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: PTAI index is regarded as an efficient tool for risk level classifications and identification of effective factors on LBP incidence among nursing personnel involved in patient transfer. In this regard and for the aim of ergonomic intervention towards the reduction of LBP incidence among nurses, the modification of improper factors which are identified in PTAI index such as the use of advanced patient handling equipment, increase in work posture guidance and work arrangements, can be mentioned.