Consequences and factors affecting work-related low back pain among nursing professionals: A qualitative study

 The present study aimed to identify and describe the perceived risk of occupational low back pain and contributing factors among nursing personnel. This qualitative study was conducted on a sample of nurses with at least one-year experience in a hospital. Focused group discussions and semi-structured interviews were conducted using the PRECEDE-PROCEED model as a framework. Then, they were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis. In all 12 nursing personnel were interviewed. Predisposing factors were extracted from the sub-themes (feeling of risk, perception of the severity of the risk, self-efficacy, perception of the value of health) and reinforcement factors from sub-themes (the role of colleagues in the workplace, physical and mental benefits, economic interests). Two sub-themes (facilitators and organizational barriers) were identified in relation to managerial and enabling factors. The analysis showed that occupational low back pain affects the individual, social and occupational life of nurses. Therefore, working conditions, mental conditions, and rules governing the hospital should be scrutinized to insure that nursing professionals maintain good health.