Low back pain, work overload, and associated factors among hospital caregivers

Work. 2024;78(1):167-179. doi: 10.3233/WOR-230524.

Abstract

Background: Caregivers assist patients in treatment based on their care needs and living activities. Very few studies have been conducted specifically on the occupational health and safety of hospital caregivers.

Objecti̇ve: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of excessive workload and low back pain among hospital caregivers and to identify potential associated factors.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included caregivers working at Gazi University Hospital. Socio-demographic and working-life characteristics were assessed. The Role Overload Scale was used to determine excessive workload and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire was used to evaluate low back pain.

Results: The study included 528 participants. A total of 18.7% had work accidents in their department. 49.0% had sharp injuries. 68.9% of the participants performed tasks such as positioning, turning, lifting, or helping patients to walk. 72.2% stood for a long time during the workday. 52.8% thought that they worked under stress. 57.6% had low back pain in the last year and 38.6% in the last month, Significant differences exist in low back pain according to gender, body-mass index, standing for a long time and working under stress. Those who worked at night, had a work accident, positioned patients, stood for a long time, and worked under stress had higher mean scores on the Role Overload Scale.

Conclusion: Tools should be used to lift and transport patients. In addition to occupational health and safety training, awareness of musculoskeletal risks should be increased. Employee well-being can be improved through exercise and stress reduction techniques.

Keywords: Caregivers; health personnel; low back pain; occupational accidents; workload; wounds and injuries.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Caregivers / psychology
  • Caregivers / statistics & numerical data
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Low Back Pain* / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Turkey / epidemiology
  • Workload* / psychology
  • Workload* / standards
  • Workload* / statistics & numerical data