Incidence and Contributing Factors of Low Back Pain Among Nursing Professionals

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common occupational health problem among nurses and may reduce productivity and functional capacity in hospital settings. Objective: To determine the prevalence of LBP among female nursing professionals and evaluate associations between LBP severity and selected occupational and individual risk factors. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted over six months in Lahore hospitals using purposive sampling. Female nurses (n=130) completed a modified Nordic low back pain questionnaire and a visual analogue scale (VAS). Occupational exposures included bending/twisting movements, lifting activities, and patient transfers; individual factors included exercise status and body mass index (BMI). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0, with chi-square tests for associations. Results: Ever-LBP prevalence was 63.8% (83/130) and 12-month prevalence was 53.8% (70/130). Among nurses reporting ever-LBP, 6.0% reported daily pain and 24.1% reported pain for >30 days but not daily during the past 12 months. Reduced work activity and reduced leisure activity were reported by 51.8% and 49.4% of symptomatic nurses, respectively. Severity was significantly associated with bending/twisting (p