EPIDEMIOLOGY OF LOW-BACK-PAIN IN CHINESE NURSES

This epidemiological study analyzed risk factors for low back pain (LBP) in nursing personnel in a 5000-bed medical center in the Republic of China. Of the 3212 eligible nursing personnel, 3159 (98.3 per cent) responded to the mail survey. Risk factors for LBP were age, stature, body weight, duration of work, work habits, and sitting posture. The lifetime prevalence of LBP was 77.9 per cent. The primary cause of LBP was lifting heavy objects. Muscle strain was the most common diagnosis. For LBP treatment, the nurses' first choice was physical therapy and rehabilitation.