Prevalence and Occupational Risk Factors of Low Back Pain among Health Care Workers in Operating Rooms at Mansoura University Main Hospital

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a public health concern worldwide and is a common cause of work-related disorder particularly in health-care workers (HCWs) including doctors, nurses and technicians. Objective: The objective of the current study is to estimate the prevalence, risk factors, and characteristics of LBP among HCWs in operation rooms. Method: A cross-sectional design was used at Mansoura University Main Hospital, Egypt, between December 2021 and February 2022. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect personal data, job characteristics, and low back in the past year. Roland-Morris LBP and Disability Questionnaire was used to diagnose LBP. Results: A total 311 HCWs were included in the analysis; 128 physicians, 139 nursing staff, and 44 other HCWs. Approximately 51% were above the age of 30 years and 57% were females. Approximately 37% were obese, 15% were smokers, 56% were physically inactive, and 34% had comorbidities. The prevalence of LBP in the studied group was 62.4%. Sick leaves due to LBP are reported by 18.6% of HCWs; 38.1% of them consulted a specialist and 57.2% took medications. The independent predictors of LBP were; working in the obstetrics & gynecology department (OR=13.7), working in the surgery departments (OR=12.4), obesity (OR=7.3), associated co-morbidities (OR=6.3), being a physician (OR=4.7), being females HCWs (OR=3.14) and being a nursing staff (OR=1.3). Conclusions: LBP is still a common problem among HCWs. Several preventable risk factors have been recognized, including high BMI and physical inactivity. Educational programs on prevention and workplace interventions are necessary in order to decrease LBP.