OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the prevalence of low back pain and factors associated with it among nurses working at public hospitals in eastern Ethiopia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 1 to March 20, 2018 among randomly selected 404 nurses working in public hospitals of Harari region and Dire Dawa city administration. Six trained nurses collected the data through a self-administered data collection technique. All variables that yield p< 0.25 in bivariable logistic regression were subjects for multivariable logistic regression analysis. The direction and strength of statistical association were measured by odds ratio with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Finally, statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The 12-month prevalence of low back pain was 38.1% [95% CI: 32.7-42.7%]. It was more prevalent among females (65%). More than 5 years of work experience [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =3.135; 95% CI (1.292-7.605)], manual lifting of weight >10kg [AOR=5.260; 95% CI (1.869-14.805)] and working in awkward posture [AOR=3.93; 95% CI (1.109-13.924)] were variables significantly associated with low back pain among nurses.

CONCLUSION

About two in five nurses working at public hospitals in Harari region and Dire Dawa city administration were suffering from low back pain. So, tailored intervention is needed to prevent nurses from further injury and retain experienced nurses.