Work-Family Conflict and Job Stress Associated with Back Pain and Neck/Shoulder Pain (Katakori) in Female Nurses Working in Hospitals

Abstract

Aim: This study examines the association of work-family conflict (WFC) and job stress with back pain and neck and shoulder pain (katakori) among female nurses working in a hospital.

Method: We surveyed 118 female nurses working in the hospital considering their demographic characteristics, level of back pain and katakori, and their scores on the Japanese version of the WFC scale and the new brief job stress questionnaire. They were also asked to rate their back pain or katakori on a 0–10 point Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). For the analysis, participants were first divided into two groups: a high-level group with an NRS score of 7 or more points for back pain and katakori and a non-high-level group with an NRS score of fewer than 7 points. Next, multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted using the items that were significant in the univariate analysis as explanatory variables and the level of back pain or katakori as objective variables.

Results: Back pain was independently and significantly associated with “time-based work interference with family (WIF)” (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.00–1.58, p = .047) and “role clarity” (OR: 3.94, 95% CI: 1.28–12.14, p = .017). Katakori was independently and significantly associated with “time-based WIF” (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.07–1.59, p = .009).

Conclusions: The results suggest that WFC measures by both individuals and employers and the establishment of a workplace support system in which individuals are not overly responsible are important in addressing back pain and katakori among female nurses.