Prevalence and Associated Factors of Work-Related Low Back Pain among Healthcare Personnel with Patient Manual Handling

Authors

  • Jirateep Chobtamkit Occupational and Environmental Medicine center, Nopparat Rajathanee hospital
  • Shewarat Prasan Occupational and Environmental Medicine center, Nopparat Rajathanee hospital

Keywords:

work-related low back pain, healthcare personnel, patient handling, ergonomics, lifting, prevalence

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of work-related low back pain among healthcare personnel who are involved in patient transfer. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital. The study sample includes a total of 158 healthcare personnel who are involved in patient transfer, divided into three departments: the transfer department, the critical care unit, and the semi-critical care unit. Data was collected using a modified questionnaire based on the Standardized Nordic questionnaire, which inquired about musculoskeletal symptoms. Additionally, the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) was used to assess the level of musculoskeletal disorder during their work activities. Results: The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the lower back which occurred within the past 7 days and 6 months was 51.3% (95% CI 43.2-59.3) and 52.5% (95% CI 44.4-60.5), respectively. When assessing working posture using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment or REBA tool, it was found that most participants had a high risk. The daily average number of patient transfers and the daily frequency of patient transfers were statistically associated with work-related low back pain within the past 7 days (Odds ratio 1.84, 95% CI 1.41-2.39 and 1.10, 95% CI 1.03-1.18, respectively). Furthermore, leisure activities that involve object handling were statistically associated with work-related low back pain within the past 6 months (Odds ratio 2.03, 95% CI 1.01-4.10). Conclusion: Patient transfer workshops should be organized for healthcare personnel by providing knowledge and skills in safe patient transfer. Limiting hours spent on patient transfer or increasing the number of healthcare personnel per shift can reduce the duration and frequency of patient transfer per day. The worker should avoid hobbies that involve object handling. If necessary, there should be education about the appropriate way to handle an object.

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Published

2024-08-31

How to Cite

1.
Chobtamkit J, Prasan S. Prevalence and Associated Factors of Work-Related Low Back Pain among Healthcare Personnel with Patient Manual Handling. JPMAT [Internet]. 2024 Aug. 31 [cited 2024 Nov. 22];14(2):319-36. Available from: https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/JPMAT/article/view/270542

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Original Article