Low back pain prevalence and associated factors among nurses: cross sectional study from Palestine

The prevalence of low back pain among nurses is notably high, which negatively affects their job performance and overall work quality.

This research aimed to evaluate the prevalence of low back pain among nurses in Nablus city and investigate how personal and work-related factor and the occurrence of low back pain in this population.

Employing a cross-sectional study design, we employed validated instruments, including the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire. The study encompassed 258 nursing employees from both the largest and smallest Ministry of Health (MOH) and private sector hospitals in Nablus city, West Bank, Palestine. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire.

A total of 258 nurses participated in the study, yielding a response rate of 98%. The lifetime prevalence of Low Back Pain (LBP) was 82% (n = 212) throughout their life. Additionally, the prevalence of LBP in the 12 months preceding data collection was 78% (N = 201), 71% (N = 182) in the month leading up to the study, and 61% (N = 156) on the day of data collection.

The study disclosed a high prevalence of low back pain among nurses, underscoring the urgency for effective solutions. These findings highlight the need for more comprehensive research to better understand and address this issue.