Prevalence of low back pain and associated factors among nurses in Jordan

Low back pain (LBP) is a significant work-related problem, especially among nurses. This is due to its high prevalence and impact on the healthcare system, either directly through treating affected nurses, or indirectly through the decrease in nurses' productivity.

The aim of this study is to measure the prevalence rates of LBP among nurses in Jordan, and to uncover the associated factors and consequences.

A cross-sectional design study. Data were collected through a data collection sheet, developed based on literature, from seven public hospitals and one university hospital over a period of 2 months.

A total of 384 nurses completed the data sheet with a response rate of 76.8%. Current prevalence of LBP was 69% (n = 265), 1-year prevalence was 78.9% (n = 303), while accumulative prevalence was 83.6% (n = 321). Factors associated with LBP were older age, female gender, being overweight, and having longer experience in nursing; 40% of nurses agreed that the LBP increased their number of sick leaves, 58.7% agreed it lowered their productivity, and 9% reported that it forced them to change unit.

LBP is a significant work-related problem among Jordanian nurses, with high-prevalence rates, and debilitating medical and professional consequences. Interdisciplinary efforts are needed to reduce these consequences.