Prevalence of Low Back Pain in Health Care Staff from the Hospitals of the University

Introduction
This epidemiological study was performed to determine the prevalence and potential etiology of Low Back Pain (LBP) among surgeons and internists from the hospitals of the University of Medicine & Pharmacy, Tg.Mures, Romania.

Methods
Two groups each of 56 persons (surgeons and internists) were studied; mean age: 45.8±7.3years and mean length in work: 17.4±5.6years. Specific ergonomic forms were completed in both groups regarding their work-details. Clinical examinations were performed and an epidemiological questionnaire was given to find out the symptoms of LBP and of other associated musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), as well as their potential etiology. Multifactor analysis was done for data processing.

Results
The work was organized in a shift with complementary non-regular patients’ afternoon visits and 2 times/week “overnight call” (first aid duties during the night). The surgeons’ and internists’ activities have implying medium physical efforts and sometimes high mental efforts.
The prevalence of LBP in surgeons was 32.8%, significantly higher (p<0.05) than in internists (9.1%). Other associated MSD were: neck, shoulder and upper extremity pain (31.7% in surgeons vs.7.8% in internists), as well as lower extremity pain (19.5% in surgeons vs.5.4% in internists). Work environment, psychosocial factors and heredity plays approximately equal role in the occurrence of LBP and other MSD in both groups.

Discussion
The prevalence of LBP was significantly higher in surgeons compared to internists due to their specific work conditions such as different long-term forced positions of the body, head and extremities. Psychosocial factors, as well as life stile may improve or worsen the prevalence of LBP and other MSD in health care staff. Heredity was also important, but not significant (p>0.05) in LBP-prevalence determination. To reduce the occurrence of these potentially disabling conditions it is recommended to improve all ergonomic practices in surgery, as well as to lessen the incidence of other LBP-promoting factors.