PREVALENCE AND PERCEIVED EFFECT OF OCCUPATIONAL BACK PAIN ON WORK PERFORMANCE AMONG EMERGENCY NURSES IN SELECTED HOPITALS IN BENIN CITY

Abstract

This study examined the prevalence and perceived effect of occupational back pain on work performance among emergency nurses in selected healthcare facilities in Benin City, Edo State, and explored factors influencing its occurrence. A cross-sectional quantitative design and qualitative interviews were used. Data were collected from 210 emergency nurses using structured questionnaires, with a 99.1% response rate, while 12 nurses participated in in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. Findings showed that 74.8% of respondents had experienced occupational back pain, most commonly on a weekly basis, with moderate severity and predominant lower-back location. Occupational back pain had a generally negative perceived effect on work performance, with increased fatigue and physical exhaustion recording the highest mean score. Frequent lifting and transferring of patients and poor ergonomic workplace design were the leading contributing factors. Years of nursing experience and shift pattern were significantly associated with both the prevalence and perceived effect of occupational back pain, whereas age, gender, educational level, and job designation were not. Qualitative findings revealed that back pain developed gradually and was worsened by manual handling, prolonged standing, and staff shortages. Nurses reported restricted movement and reduced clinical performance and relied mainly on self-directed coping strategies in an environment with limited institutional support. The study concluded that occupational back pain was highly prevalent and negatively affected work performance. It recommended provision of ergonomic equipment, improved staffing, structured rest breaks, ergonomics education, occupational health policies, and modified duties for affected nurses.