DETERMINANTS OF LOW BACK PAIN AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN CRITICAL CARE UNITS AT A MAJOR PRIVATE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL IN NAIROBI KENYA
DETERMINANTS OF LOW BACK PAIN AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN CRITICAL CARE UNITS AT A MAJOR PRIVATE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL IN NAIROBI KENYA
Onesmus Mutua Mutisya - Master of Science in Critical Care Nursing, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing and Preclinical Sciences School of Health Sciences, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Lucy Wankuru Meng’anyi - Senior Lecturer, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing and Preclinical Sciences School of Health Sciences, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Dr. Taraso Barako - Senior Lecturer, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing and Preclinical Sciences School of Health Sciences, Kenyatta University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Low back pain is common among healthcare workers in critical care units, where patient handling, prolonged standing, awkward posture, limited rest, and work stress are frequent. This study established the proportion of healthcare workers who experienced low back pain and examined organizational and individual factors associated with low back pain at a major private Hospital in Nairobi. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses and physiotherapists working in four adult critical care units. Ninety-six of 120 eligible healthcare workers participated. Data were collected using a modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and an equipment checklist. Descriptive statistics summarized the findings. Chi-square tests examined associations, and multivariable logistic regression assessed organizational predictors while adjusting for selected demographic factors. Findings: Seventy-eight participants reported low back pain, giving a prevalence of 81.3%. Among participants with low back pain, 89.7% were nurses and 10.3% were physiotherapists. The main triggers among nurses were lifting patients (82.9%), bending or twisting (74.3%), and prolonged standing (58.6%). Chronic low back pain was reported by 70.5% of affected participants, and 76.9% stated that pain often or always affected their work. Consistent shift breaks were significantly associated with lower low back pain occurrence (adjusted odds ratio 2.73, 95% confidence interval 1.06-7.05, p = .037). Profession also predicted low back pain (adjusted odds ratio 5.59, 95% confidence interval 1.18-26.41, p = .030). Exercise frequency, diagnosed musculoskeletal conditions, difficulty maintaining posture, work-related stress, and inadequate rest were significantly associated with low back pain. Unique Contribution to Theory Practice and Policy: The findings support the biopsychosocial model by showing that physical demands, work organization, stress, rest, and individual health act together. Critical care units should provide structured shift breaks, adequate staffing, reliable lifting equipment, practical ergonomic training, early assessment, and access to exercise and physiotherapy support. These actions may reduce pain and protect workforce productivity.
