The Influence of Work-related Low Back Pain on Care Work Performed by Care Workers

Abstract

[Purpose] The influence of work-related low back pain (LBP) on care work performed by care workers was investigated. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 264 care workers working at 9 facilities for the disabled. Data on basic details, years of work experience, presence of work-related LBP, countermeasures for LBP and their implementation, the care activities actually performed were collected via a paper questionnaire survey. The subjects were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of work-related LBP and compared. [Results] There were 147 respondents (59.8%) with work-related LBP. Those reporting work-related LBP were significantly older than those without it, and were implementing countermeasures for LBP. A significant difference in care activities was not found between the two groups. [Conclusion] The results suggest that work-related LBP might not affect care activities.