Prevalence and associated risk factors of low back pain among Shahid Beheshti hospital staff in Shiraz

low back pain is one of the most common work related health problems among hospital workers when compare to other groups. The incidence varies among different countries. Work related activities such as twisting, bending, sustained posture; repeated movements are regarded as casual risk factors for low back pain and other back injuries. The aim of this study is the description of the prevalence and risk factors of low back pain among a variety of hospital workers including nurses, physiotherapists, technicians and etc.
A 23-item self administered questionnaire was completed by 275 employees in Shiraz Shahid Beheshti hospital associated with social security organization using a cross sectional survey design. Data were collected over 3 months and analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression techniques.
The prevalence of low back pain was 50.9 %, 42.1% in men and 57.9% in women. The highest prevalence was reported by group of nurses and midwifes (60.7%). Gender, short stature, duration of disease and injury and back pain were identified as the most important predisposing factors (p ≤ 0.05).
low back pain prevalence is high in hospital staff and preventive measures should be taken to reduce it, such as educational programmes about the proper body mechanics, arranging proper rest periods, lifting devices and additional staff.