Psychosocial and occupational factors associated with low back pain among nurses in Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is a major health problem with significant public health and economic burden. Few studies have clarified the role of psychosocial factors in LBP occurrence. In this study, we assessed psychosocial and occupational factors associated with LBP, within the last 12 months, among nurses in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 16 hospitals across Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A sample of 427 nurses was surveyed. The anonymous questionnaire contained valid and reliable questions assessing LBP, as pain between the costal margins of the 12th rib and the gluteal folds, and questions related to psychosocial and work-related factors experienced by the nurses. Descriptive statistics were reported for all variables. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses assessed the likelihood of significant associations between study variables and LBP.

Results: The prevalence of reported LBP was 80%. Factors associated with LBP in univariate analysis were frequent lifting (OR = 2.32; 95%CI: 1.34-4.01), work-related stress (OR = 5.81; 95%CI: 3,37-9,62), lack of job satisfaction (OR = 2.08; 95%CI: 1.13-3.85), work-related problems (OR = 2.40; 95%CI: 1.44-4.02), and financial problems (OR = 2.08; 95%CI: 1.26-3.38), while factors that remained significantly associated with LBP in the final multivariate analyses were frequent lifting (OR = 2.04; 95%CI:1.09-3.81), work-related stress (OR = 4.22; 95%CI: 2.34-7.48), and lack of job satisfaction (OR = 1.87; 95%CI: 1.24-3.58).

Conclusion: The prevalence of LBP is high in this sector of the health-care workforce. Ergonomic and psychosocial factors may be considered contributing factors for low back pain. Special attention to stress-reduction, counseling, and policies to improve job satisfaction are recommended in order reduce LBP and improve the health and safety of nurses in Saudi Arabia.