Perceived Determinants of Work-Related Low Back Pain Among Nurses at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt
Keywords:
Perceived Determinants, Work-Related Lower Back Pain, Nurses, Rivers State University Teaching HospitalAbstract
Work-related lower back pain (LBP) remains a significant occupational health challenge among nurses globally, affecting their physical well-being, job performance, and overall quality of care delivery. The study was guided by three objectives, three research questions, and one hypothesis. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design, with a target population of 258 nurses from which a sample of 158 respondents was selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire comprising sections on socio-demographic characteristics, prevalence of LBP, perceived determinants, effects on job performance, and work environment factors. The instrument was validated through content validity and its reliability established using the test-retest method with 20 nurses, yielding acceptable reliability coefficients ranging from 0.63 to 0.73. The study found a high prevalence of work-related lower back pain among nurses (82.7%), with significant associations with prolonged standing (90.2%), manual lifting of patients (88.6%), and heavy workload (85.4%). The condition was found to severely affect job performance, including reduced strength at work (78.5%), difficulty performing nursing procedures (74.7%), and inability to complete tasks on time (71.5%). The study further revealed that work environment factors such as high patient-to-nurse ratio, inadequate staffing, and long working shifts significantly contributed to the occurrence of LBP. The theoretical framework was based on Cooper and Marshall's (1976) Work-Related Stress Model, which explains how work-related stressors lead to occupational illness. The study concludes that work-related lower back pain is highly prevalent among nurses and significantly affects their job performance. Recommendations include implementation of ergonomic interventions, regular training on proper body mechanics, adequate staffing, and provision of mechanical lifting devices to reduce the burden of work.
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