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Abstract |
Work-related back pain among nurses is a problem of significant proportion. Nurses have a high rate of back pain compared to the general population and other occupational groups. There has been little reduction in the rates of nurses back pain and solutions to this complex problem continue to be elusive. Many quantitative studies have been undertaken examining and identifying the risk factors contributing to a high risk of back pain among nurses. Few of these studies focus on the complexities and context of the nurses physical and social environment. An exploration of these factors may assist to explain why interventions have not been successful and why the risk of back pain among nurses remains high.This study, using a qualitative methodology, explores nurses views and perceptions of the factors that they believe contribute to nurses having a high risk for work-related back pain. In-depth interviews were conducted with nurses working in previously identified high risk areas asking them about their perceptions of the risk factors and the activities that lead to risk situations for back pain. The strongest theme to emerge from the participant interviews was that it is the work demands from nursing that create and expose nurses to high levels of risk. Other risk factors identified were environmental hazards, equipment management and the physical work environment. The interview responses were analysed using two theoretical models of risk. The Health Belief Model examines risk behaviour using a cognitive psychological approach and the Social Model of Risk views all behaviour as influenced by the social environment. Both models offer explanations as to why nurses take actions that place them at risk for back pain. This study highlights the main ideas and concerns raised by the participants. It makes recommendations for managing the problem of work-related back pain in the nursing profession, and suggests areas where more research is needed |
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