Globally,
Low Back Pain (LBP) comprises a significant occupational hazard in nursing
profession. This study aimed to identify determinants of LBP among operating
room nurses at Governmental hospitals in Gaza
governorates. The design of this study
is a quantitative, descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional one. To ensure
validity of the instrument; face, content and criterion related validity were
carried out and to test reliability of the instrument; small scale reliability
test and Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient were carried out. The study population
consisted of 159 nurses who represented all the target population. The
researcher used a self-constructed, self administered questionnaire. In total,
143 respondents completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 89.9%. Different statistical procedures were used
for data analysis including cross tabulation, percentages, mean and Chi square
test. The results revealed that the overall prevalence of low back pain among
operating room nurses was 70.6%. The prevalence of pain was 68.2% among males
and 78.8% among females. The highest complaint of low back pain (100.0%) was
reported among those who have a long work experience (23 – 36 years). The prevalence of LBP was 82.8%
among those who have body mass index (BMI) more than 30. There were no
significant differences between (gender, years of experience and BMI( and LBP distribution. Prolonged time
standing during surgery was the main risk factor for low back pain (67.1%),
followed by work overload (65.0%), lifting and transferring patients (62.9%). The study concluded that work related
LBP was high among operating room nurses which might affect work quality,
productivity and the quality of nurses life.
Key wards: Low back pain,Determinants,Operating room nurses, Gaza hospitals
