Utilization of the Oswestry low back pain and disability outcome measure tool to assess the condition among nurses at Kapsabet County Referral Hospital

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is the pain that is felt below the costal margins and above the gluteal folds and may radiate to the legs. LBP among others is an occupational injury that affects many professions with nursing the most affected. This has been due unsafe practices, lack of ergonomic knowledge, workload and pressure of the job.
Objectives: To assess the implications of low back pain in nurses and the risk factors for LBP in nurses and find out the causes and knowledge of ergonomics among the nurses.
Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study.
Setting: Kapsabet County Referral Hospital.
Subjects/Participants: The nursing staff at Kapsabet County Referral Hospital (KCRH).
Results: There were 27 nurses suffering from LBP resulting from poor ergonomic knowledge, lack of equipment and huge workload. Sixty-six per cent (66%) (n=18) of respondents were female. Increase in age was also a factor as the age bracket with most respondents was 40 and above years. The most affected parameter was sitting, with 66% (n=18) sitting comfortably in their favourite chairs. Travelling was least affected. Seventy percent (70 %) (n=19) of the participants could travel without pain.
Conclusion: Low back pain has moderately impacted the nursing staff at Kapsabet County Referral Hospital. The hospital lacks back friendly equipment and knowledge of ergonomics is limited.