Cross-sectional study of actual conditions and related factors of low back pain among hospital workers

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to clarify the incidence of low back pain in hospital workers and its relevant factors. [Subjects and Methods] The participants were 40 persons who worked in an orthopedic hospital. The existence of low back pain, the low back pain specific QOL measure (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire: RDQ), occupation, and back beliefs questionnaire (BBQ) were surveyed, and body mass index (BMI), straight leg raise angle (SLR), finger-floor distance (FFD), muscle tightness at the front of hip joint (modified Thomas test), heel-buttock distance (HBD), and trunk flexion and extension muscular strengths were measured. [Results] Twenty-two participants (55%) had low back pain. Those without low back pain group had higher BBQ scores than the low back pain subjects. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that the group of subjects without low back pain had occupations other than “nurse”, and significantly higher BBQ score and trunk extension muscular strength. [Conclusion] Our findings suggest that occupation (no nurse), BBQ score, and trunk extension muscular strength are related to low back pain. We hypothesize that improved physical function and recognition of low back pain prognosis are related to prevention of low back pain.