Perception, attitude and self-care management of low back pain among nurses in Lagos

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is pain and discomfort felt below the intercostals margin and above the inferior glutei folds with or without referred leg pain. Nurses in developing countries have a higher incidence of work-related back pain due to lack of equipment and planes of work. This study was aimed at assessing perception, attitude and selfmanagement for LBP among nurses in Lagos.
Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative study utilized a multistage sampling method and selfstructured questionnaire with four sections, Socio- Demographic, Perception, Attitude and Self-care Management of LBP. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS computer software version 20. Descriptive data were presented in tables and charts, inferential statistic were tested with chi-square at a significant level of p ≤ 0.05.
Results: The study found that the mean age of participants was 38.13±8.19, (90%) of the participants were female, mean of years of practice in the current institution was 10.98±9.33, years of experience in nursing profession was 14.07±10.21 and participants experienced LBP with prevalence of 66.2%. Majority 86.3% and 75% have positive perception and attitude toward LBP respectively. The self-management discovered to be adopted by participants include medication 60%, while 75% indicated bed rest. The participants identified the different components of a preventive exercise programme but only 25% mentioned ergonomic principles while 62.5% indicated general fitness exercises. There was a significant association between perception of low back pain and attitude, among nurses in Lagos with p = 0.02.
Conclusion: The prevalence of LBP among clinical nurses in the study was high, also they have positive perception and attitude towards LBP. The study highlighted some self-management measures used by the nurses in order to address LBP in Lagos

Key Words: Low Back Pain, Nurses, Perception, Attitude, Self-Care Management