Low back pain among care workers working at newly-built nursing homes for the aged

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between severe low back pain (LBP) and work load for care workers (CWs) who were working at newly-built special nursing homes, because it has long been known that LBP is very common among CWs, and we consider that measures to reduce serious LBP should be the top priority. A total of 258 questionnaires were distributed to all CWs employed at 7 nursing homes. There were 214 replies, a response rate of 82.9%. The average age of respondents was 28.8 years old. A total of 212 (59 males and 153 females) completed questionnaires were analyzed. The results of factor analysis were based on 22 original questions about physical and mental care work load. Sixteen questions and 5 subscales were explored. Factor 1 was characteristics and ADL of care receivers; Factor 2, violence by care receivers; Factor 3, communication with staff at workplace; Factor 4, problems with work environment; and Factor 5, communication with care receivers. Severe LBP was defined as a subject who had always suffered from LBP in the last one month. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the relationship of severe LBP and care work load. Adjustments were made for sex and job tenure. In Factor 1, "characteristics and ADL of care receivers", heavy weight showed significant association, with adjusted Odds Ratios of 6.63 (95%CI: 1.71-25.75). Therefore, to prevent LBP of CWs, it is necessary to make staff assignments and to provide assistive devices based on careful considerations of the characteristics and ADL of care receivers.