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Personal history, training, and worksite as predictors of back pain of nurses
Author(s) -
Harber Philip,
Peña Laura,
Hsu Paul,
Billet Elizabeth,
Greer Deborah,
Kim Katty
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.4700250406
Subject(s) - medicine , logistic regression , back pain , physical therapy , low back pain , nursing , back injury , contingency table , alternative medicine , pathology , statistics , mathematics
Back pain among nurses is a common problem. Prior studies of this problem have been based on cross‐sectional or retrospective data. This 18‐month prospective study involving nurses newly graduated from nursing school investigated personal, worksite, and training factors associated with future risk of back pain. Each nurse underwent a preliminary interview and periodic follow‐ups to identify those with back injuries. Contingency tables and logistic regression analyses demonstrated that prior significant back pain episodes (evidenced by previous job changes because of back pain, frequent medication use, etc.) were associated with increased future risk. Training at nursing school or on the job did not have a protective effect. This pilot study therefore suggests factors useful in placement and counseling of new nurses and indicates the need for further implementation of mechanical lift assist device use. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.