Abstract
This pilot study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of low back pain among nurses. Fifty-two women (mean age 44.28 years) working at a provincial hospital completed a questionnaire about low back pain and other health conditions. The duration of pain, number of episodes a year, duration of each episode and treatment were assessed.
Twenty-nine professional, three staff and 17 enrolled nurses responded. Their mean length of service was 18.32 years. Their mean weight was 78.55 kg, with a body mass index (BMI) of 32.2. They commuted a mean distance of 29.02 km (1 to 80), taking 37.12 mins (10 to 90). On average they had 2.18 dependents and 24 had help with household chores. Seventeen respondents participated in sports such as tennis, soccer and swimming.
Forty-six reported episodes of pain lasting five or more days. Symptoms had been present for 6.62 years. Twenty-three had fewer than eight episodes a year. Thirty-eight patients (82.6%) required treatment, including rest, medication and physiotherapy. Seven were admitted to hospital and one had surgery. Sick leave accounted for 751 lost work days. Forty-one nurses (78.8%) wanted to participate in a back care programme.
The abstracts were prepared by Professor M. B. E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to him at PO Box 47363, Parklands, Johannesburg 2121, South Africa.
