PREDISPOSING FACTORS FOR LOW BACK PAIN IN NURSES: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Low back pain is a very common health problem, with a very high prevalence among nurses, leading to negative consequences for the person themselves, for the patients they care for, as well as leading to economic losses, indirectly affecting society and the economy of each country. The aim of this study is to identify which factors, directly related to professional practice, predispose nurses to the development of low back pain.Methodology: Systematic review of the literature, including scientific articles published between January 2013 and June 2023. Seven articles were selected, following the PRISMA guidelines.Results: The factors most commonly associated with low back pain in nurses are prolonged standing, shift work, rotational movements of the body, the physical effort required to position patients, a high ratio of patients to each nurse and work-related stress. Conclusion: Through this literature review it was possible to understand that there is a worrying prevalence of low back pain among nurses, which happens due to a high workload, associated with many hours of work in a row, and it is essential to adopt measures to reduce this problem.