Work activities and non-specific chronic low back pain in nursing workers

Abstract

Objective: To determine work activities associated with non-specific chronic low back pain in nursing workers. Métodos: Cross-sectional study with 90 workers, including nursing assistants, nursing technicians and nurses. Two instruments were used: Work-Related Activities that may Contribute to Job-Related Pain and/or Injury and Visual Numeric Scale. Data were descriptively and analytically analyzed, compared using Chi-square or Fischer's exact tests, Pearson's or Spearman's correlations and the Mann-Whitney U test. The significance level adopted was p <0.05. Results: The work activities with higher risk and associated with low back pain involved poor postures, bending and twisting of the spine, uncomfortable positions, physical efforts such as weight lifting and movement, continuing to work even with pain and at the physical limit, characteristics of the work environment and the activities performed. The mean pain intensity was moderate and it was statistically associated with some activities. Conclusion: Ergonomic activities that predispose to low back pain should be considered in order to guide workplace changes.