Effect of educational program on performance of Intensive Care Nurses to Decrement the low Back pain

Abstract

Abstract: Musculoskeletal disorders are an important public health problem. Among them are back conditions, Low back pain has been found to be the most prevailing musculoskeletal condition as well as a common cause of disability in high and low income countries, with 85% prevalence. Nurses have been reported to have one of the highest levels of back work-related injuries in all occupational groups. The great amount of physical work such as patient handling and transfers as well as psychological stress related to their type of work, are said to increase the prevalence of low back pain among nurses. Aim : To evaluate the effect of educational program on performance of Intensive Care nurses to decrement the low back pain. Subjects and Methods: Design: A quasi experimental design was used. Setting: This study was conducted at intensive care units affiliated to Eldemerdash and Ain Shams University Hospitals. Sample: A purposive sample included 35 intensive care nurses. Tools for data collection: Self Administered back pain structured Questionnaire, body mechanics observation checklists, Oswestry low back pain Disability Questionnaire. Results: there were statistically significant differences between pre and post intervention as regards their knowledge and practices regarding back pain and body mechanics. As well, there was no significant difference in intensity of back pain and disability between pre & post intervention. There were a statistically positive correlation between intensity of low back pain and age, years of experience, number of children and body mass index. While there were no statistically significant relations between intensity of low back pain and gender and marital status. Conclusions: The educational program was helpful on the improvement knowledge and practices of the nurses with back pain, while it wasn't leading to decreasing intensity of back pain and disability. Recommendations: The study should be replicated on large sample and different hospitals setting in order to generalize the results, developing a simplified and comprehensive booklet including guidelines about correct lifting and handling techniques and further study is recommended to evaluate the association between low back pain and its associated factors.