Factors contributing to back pain among nurses in a maternity ward at a level 5 hospital, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Back pain is currently a global public health problem affecting many nurses in most departments in the hospital set up. Maternity wards are one of the busiest departments hence the reason for the researchers conducting the study among nurses in this department and in a Level 5 hospital in a developing country. Purpose: To determine factors contributing to back pain among nurses in the maternity department, in a Level 5 Hospital. Objectives: The study was based on four objectives, which included: to determine the socio-demographic factors of the nurses, prevalence of back pain among nurses, Body Mass Index (BMI) of the nurses, Perception of the existence of enough patient lifting equipment by nurses, the working hours of the nurses and Strategies that can be adopted to prevent back pain. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used where nurses working in the maternity ward were targeted. A total of 20 respondents were surveyed. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Convenience sampling was used in selecting the participants. Only respondents who had given informed consent were issued with the questionnaire to fill at their convenience. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Descriptive data was presented in the form of bar graphs, frequency tables, and pie charts. Results: Eighty-five percent (85%) of the nurses reported to have experienced back pain. Both male and female nurses experienced back pain. A majority (88.2%) of the respondents had experienced acute back pain while the rest had experienced chronic back pain. The back pain was first experienced in the 1-5years of their professional experience. A majority (55%) worked for more than 48 hours a week and 95% reported that there was no enough heavy weight lifting equipment in the hospital. The respondents (60%) also reported that there were standard operating procedures and policies on heavy weight lifting in the hospital. Conclusion and Recommendations: Nearly all the nurses in the maternity ward reported suffering back pain. It is therefore recommended that policies and standards be formulated that will guide the nurse-working environment. Emphasis on good working postures, provision of heavy weight lifting equipment, and sensitization of nurses on the pathophysiology of back pain are other recommended measures to lower maternity nurses back pain.