Prevalence, Severity, and Determinants of Low Back Pain Among Nurses at Sohar Hospital, Oman: A Cross-sectional Study

Low back pain (LBP) is a common occupational issue among healthcare professionals, yet data from Oman are limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, severity, consequences, and determinants of LBP among nurses at a tertiary hospital in Oman.

This cross-sectional study was conducted at Sohar Hospital in September 2024 and included nurses from all departments. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling and completed a structured electronic questionnaire covering sociodemographic, medical, and work-related factors. LBP was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and pain severity was measured using a numeric rating scale. The data were analyzed statistically.

Of the 385 nurses surveyed, 317 (82.3%) reported LBP. Among those with LBP, 91 (28.7%) reported severe pain, and seven (2.2%) reported the worst possible pain. More than one-third (34.1%) of affected nurses required medical consultation, and 149 (47.0%) reported that the pain prevented them from performing their work. Binary logistic regression analysis identified female gender (AOR = 3.972, 95% CI: 1.061-14.879; p = 0.041), Omani nationality (AOR for non-Omani nurses = 0.149, 95% CI: 0.057-0.392; p < 0.001), history of surgical procedures (AOR = 3.149, 95% CI: 1.518-6.533; p = 0.002), perceived inadequate staffing (AOR = 2.312, 95% CI: 1.160-4.624; p = 0.017), and assignment in the female internal medicine ward (AOR = 11.022, 95% CI: 1.570-77.383; p = 0.016) as factors significantly associated with LBP.

LBP is highly prevalent among nurses at Sohar Hospital and is associated with several personal and occupational factors, including gender, nationality, surgical history, ward assignment, and perceived staffing inadequacy. Targeted interventions, including workplace ergonomic modifications, adequate staffing policies, and preventive occupational health programs, are warranted to mitigate the burden of LBP and enhance nurses' well-being and performance.