Low back pain among healthcare workers in a surgical environment: a research protocol

BACKGORUND: Nurses and surgeons are among the healthcare categories with the highest risk of developing low back pain (LBP). The aim of this study is to present the research protocol of a survey for assessing the presence of low back pain among healthcare workers of a surgical ward and its associated factors. METHODS: The survey will be conducted in the Orthopaedics ward of the teaching hospital “Policlinico Umberto I” in Rome, during the year 2018. The low-back pain will be measured using the Italian version of the Nordic Questionnaire musculoskeletal disorders. Socio-demografic and clinical data will be collected, such as: aghe, gender, heaight, weight, body mass index (BMI), type of work, years of work, working timetable. LBP intensity will be assessed with the Numerical Rating Scale. This is a one-dimension numerical scale with possible score from 0 (no pain) to 10 (the worst possible pain). The general health status will be assessed with the SF-12 questionnaire, for calculating the Mental and Physical component scales, MCS and PCS respectively. The physical activity will be assessed with the Italian version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Moreover, work-related stress will be assessed using the Karasec-15 questionnaire. CONCLUSION: This research protocol will be useful for assessing the prevalence of LBP and its associated factors. These informations will be used for planning primary and tertiary prevention

Assessment of the prevalence and risk factors of low back pain in operating room health workers: An observational study in Italy

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) among healthprofessionals and the possible risk factors. Methods: The study was carried out from April 2018 to October 2018 among all health workers of the Orthopaedic Clinic and the Emergency Department of “Policlinico Umberto I” in Rome. LBP was assessed using the Nordic Questionnaire Musculoskeletal Disorders in the section on lumbar pain. The type of physical activity carried out as prevention was investigated by use of the International Physical Activity Questionnaires. The overall state of health and lifestyle was deter- mined by the Short Form 12-item Health Survey. Job satisfaction and perceived work stress were assessed through the 15-questions of Karasek’s Questionnaire. The intensity of the low back pain was assessed using a Numerical Rating Scale. A univariate analysis was conducted to assess the associations between socio-demographic and working variables. Multiple logistic regression mod- els were used to assess independent correlates of LBP. Results: One hundred thirteen subjects were enrolled, 52 women and 61 men. The annual period- prevalence of lumbar musculoskeletal disorder was found on 79.6% of participants with LBP. Mean value evidence of NRS was 2.66. The highest LBP risk over the 12 months was found in groups with high job demand (OR = 1.18; 95%CI: 1.01 – 1.38), low decision-making opportunities (for decision latitude OR = 0.87; (0-76 – 1.0), and low levels of physical activity (OR = 0.75; 95%CI: 0.64 – 0.89). Conclusion: The working environment is a potential risk factor for the development of LBP and is suitable for prevention programmes. The protective effect of physical activity and work-related stress management indicate room for improvements for the prevention of LBP in these HCWs. Conflicts of interest: None declared

Assessment of the prevalence and risk factors of low back pain in operating room health workers: An observational study in Italy

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) among healthprofessionals and the possible risk factors. Methods: The study was carried out from April 2018 to October 2018 among all health workers of theOrthopaedic Clinic and the Emergency Department of “Policlinico Umberto I” in Rome. LBP wasassessed using the Nordic Questionnaire Musculoskeletal Disorders in the section on lumbar pain.The type of physical activity carried out as prevention was investigated by use of theInternational Physical Activity Questionnaires. The overall state of health and lifestyle wasdeter- mined by the Short Form 12-item Health Survey. Job satisfaction and perceived work stresswere assessed through the 15-questions of Karasek’s Questionnaire. The intensity of the low backpain was assessed using a Numerical Rating Scale. A univariate analysis was conducted to assess theassociations between socio-demographic and working variables. Multiple logistic regression mod- elswere used to assess independent correlates of LBP. Results: One hundred thirteen subjects were enrolled, 52 women and 61 men. The annual period-prevalence of lumbar musculoskeletal disorder was found on 79.6% of participants with LBP.Mean value evidence of NRS was 2.66. The highest LBP risk over the 12 months was found in groupswith high job demand (OR = 1.18; 95%CI: 1.01 – 1.38), low decision-making opportunities (fordecision latitude OR = 0.87; (0-76 – 1.0), and low levels of physical activity (OR = 0.75; 95%CI:0.64 – 0.89). Conclusion: The working environment is a potential risk factor for the development of LBP and issuitable for prevention programmes. The protective effect of physical activity and work-relatedstress management indicate room for improvements for the prevention of LBP in these HCWs. Conflicts of interest: None declared