The impact of low back pain on mental health among healthcare workers

INTRODUCTION: Low back pain (LBP) is common among healthcare workers (HCWs) caused by providing patient care by bending forward for long durations. Even when symptoms are short-term and not medically serious, LBP can be associated with psychological distress. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the impact of low back pain on mental health among HCWs. METHODS: The study was conducted in a group of HCWs from Hedi Chaker hospital in Sfax, Tunisia. Data were gathered between March-August 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire including socio-professional characteristics, the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). RESULTS: Our study included 74 HCWs. The mean age was 39,3 ± 10,5 years. The average job tenure was 15,5 ± 11,2 years. According to the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, 29.7% of participants had low back pain during the last 12 months. Thirty participants (17.6%) had low back pain during the last 7 days. The mean score of K6 was 5,4±4,8 (range = 0–22). The proportion of respondents with high levels of psychological distress (K6 score of 13 or greater) was 9.5 %. The presence of low back pain during the last 12 months and the last 7 days was significantly associated with a high score of K6 (p = 0.008 and p = 0.01 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Low back pain was associated with psychological distress. Occupational health and safety programs should focus on building ergonomically safe working conditions to enhance the mental health of the HCWs. DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST: None Declared