A Study to Assess Prevalence and Variables Associated with Low Back Pain Among Staff Nurses Working at B.R. Ambedkar Medical College Hospital, Raipur, Chhattisgarh

Abstract

To assess the prevalence of lower back pain amongst the staff nurses at B.R. Ambedkar Medical College Hospital, Raipur. To determine the variables associated with low back pain in staff nurses at B.R. Ambedkar Medical College Hospital, Raipur. To find out the association between variables associated with low back pain and socio-demographic variables. Hypothesis H1: Low back pain will be prevalent among staff nurses working at B.R. Ambedkar Medical College Hospital, Raipur H₂: Low back pain will be commonplace among nurses with more than 2 children. H3: There will be a low prevalence of low back pain that has a joint family. H4: There will be a low prevalence of low back pain among nurses who have fewer hours of standing during work. The Conceptual Framework was based on the Health Belief Model, and an evaluative research approach was used. The research design was based on a descriptive survey design, and the setting was B.R. Ambedkar Medical College Hospital, Raipur. The sample selected consisted of 100 staff nurses with a minimum of 5-10 years of experience and aged 30-35. The sample was chosen by using purposive sampling. 12 experts used the content validity of the tool, including a physician statistician and nurse educator with a Medical Surgical Specialty. The pilot study was conducted among 10 Jackman Memorial Hospital Bilaspur nurses to assess the tool's reliability. The tool was found reliable and feasible. The tools used for the study were a self-structured questionnaire and a checklist, and non-probability purposive sampling was used to select the sample. The data obtained were analyzed and interpreted in terms of objectives and hypotheses. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. About the Socio-Demographic Variables: Maximum (33%) were between 30-35 yrs, maximum (84%) had professional qualification and were G.N.M., maximum 29% had 5-10 yrs of experience, majority (36%) had a weight ranging between 50-60 kg, maximum (76%) had a height ranging between 4-5 feet. The majority (76%) were nonvegetarian. The majority (52%) were used to walking daily; the maximum (61%) had more than 1-2 children; the majority (72%) had a nuclear family about the variable of low back pain. The majority (22%) experienced a sprain on the back. Maximum (99%) fellow staff members were cooperative. The majority (77%) worked for more than 3 hours in a standing position, the majority (37%) gained weight than usual, the maximum (27%) had a musculoskeletal hereditary problem of low back pain, the majority (10%) had a history of drug taking corticosteroids, maximum (88%) knew the proper technique for turning and lifting the patient (personal factor), maximum (88%) were satisfied with their job about back pain (posture) maximum (90%) bend their body while picking up things. Overall findings: Out of 100 nurses (33%) had low back pain. According to the criteria of mild, moderate, and severe back injury, the mean is 0.35, the mean score is 0.35%, and the SD is 0.52. The work area factor mean is 6.31, the mean score is 6.31%, and the SD is 1.368. For long-time standing and sitting position factor, the mean is 1.07, the mean score is 1.07%, and the SD is 0.355. The weight factor mean is 0.54, the mean score is 0.54%, and the SD is 0.688. Concerning the hereditary factor, the mean is 1.07, the mean score is 1.07%, and SD is 0.355. The drug factor mean is 0.09, the mean score is 0.09%, and the SD is 0.288. The improper technique factor mean is 1.77, the mean score is 1.77%, and the SD is 0.5291. The personal factor is 6.43, the mean score is 6.43%, and the SD is 1.451. The posture factor mean is 3.22, the mean score is 3.22%, and the SD is 0.952. The association of selected socio-demographic variables with lower back pain was significant in age having λ²=3.58, height having λ²=3.19, and number of children having λ²= 23.67. Based on the findings, it was concluded that low back pain is highly predominant among staff nurses.