Relationship between the Prevalence of Low Back Pain among Care Workers and Assistive Technology Usage for Transfer

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between the prevalence of low back pain among care workers and assistive technology usage for transfer, based on the results of a survey involving 12 social welfare facilities, as a basis for disseminating “non-lifting care”. The prevalence of low back pain exceeded 50% in 7 facilities, reaching 85% in a facility. On comparing the use rate among various types of assistive technology for transfer, sliding boards and sliding sheets achieved higher rates, whereas that of lifts was lower. Correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between the prevalence of low back pain among care workers and care grade, and rate of using reclining wheelchairs/lifts. There was no significant correlation with the care worker-to-user-ratio, care workersʼage/sex, or rate of using flip-up wheelchairs/sliding boards/sliding sheets. The results suggest the necessity of sufficiently teaching appropriate scopes and methods of sliding board/sheet use to care workers.