The factors of non-specific chronic low back pain in nurses: A meta-analysis

Numerous studies have investigated factors for non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) in nurses, and have reached different conclusions. Evidence-based recommendations are required for the prevention and treatment of NSCLBP in nurses.

This meta-analysis aimed to systematically review and quantify the factors of NSCLBP in nurses.

Eleven databases were searched. The odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using meta-analysis, and either a fixed-effect or random-effect model was used based on heterogeneity across included studies.

Eighteen publications including 11,752 nursing staff were included. Being female (pooled estimate [95% CI], 1.56 [1.24-1.96]; P< 0.001), married (1.89 [1.38-2.60]; P< 0.001), overweight (0.63 [0.43-0.93]; P= 0.02), working at least 10 years (0.65 [0.48-0.89]; P= 0.007), and working night shifts (2.19 [1.16-4.21]; P= 0.02) were positively related to NSCLBP. Junior college education (0.60 [0.47-0.77]; P< 0.001) and job satisfaction (0.58 [0.47-0.73]; P< 0.001) were negatively related. Age (0.80 [0.50-1.27]; P= 0.34) and physical exercise (0.99 [0.39-2.49]; P= 0.98) were not related.

This is the first meta-analysis to quantify the risk factors for NSCLBP in nurses. Being female, married, working night shifts, overweight, working at least 10 years and dissatisfied with work are risk factors. High-quality prospective studies are required to validate the findings of this study.