Relationships among Nursing Activities, the Use of Body Mechanics, and Job Stress in Nurses with Low Back Pain

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify relationships among nursing activities, the use of body mechanics, and job stress in nurses with low back pain. Methods: Participants were 225 nurses with low back pain working at an university hospital. The data were collected with self-reported questionnaires at March, 2012 and analyzed by descriptive statistics, t test, ANOVA, Scheffée test and multiple regression analyses. Results: There was significantly a higher degree of pain in subjects who working at special units including intensive care units and emergency room than at general wards. Low back pain was negatively correlated with the use of body mechanical principles while it was positively associated with the degree of job stress. According to results of multiple regression analyses, low back pain was significantly associated with the use of body mechanics and job stress in nurses working at general ward and special units including intensive care units and emergency room. Conclusion: The use of the principles of body mechanics and reducing job stress are important to prevent low back pain in nurses. It is necessary to develop and apply stress management and education program about the us