The prevalence of occupational low-back pain was investigated in 407 female nurses in a large tertiary health care unit in Athens, Greece. Work-related back pain within the previous 2 weeks was reported by 63% of respondents and within the previous 6 months by 67%. Prevalence was higher (66% in the previous 2 weeks) in the wards with physically heavy duties than in the rest (52%, P = 0.003), but all grades of nursing staff were affected equally. The specific factors which claimed to be responsible for causing back pain included moving heavy items (36%), lifting patients onto trolleys (32%) or in bed (29%), helping patients out of bed (24%) and bending to lift objects from the floor (24%). Absence from work because of back pain in the previous 2 weeks was reported by 28% of the sample.

Factors associated with self-reported back pain were investigated using questionnaire data on 407 female nurses from a large hospital in Athens, Greece. Factor analysis was used to construct indices of pain and its impact on normal life, and also to summarize work load descriptions. Pain factors were examined in relation to work load and personal characteristics by logistic regression. Statistically significant items, in relation both to pain and impact, were the existence of previous back injury, self-reported headaches and the 'carrying and lifting' factor of work load which principally included moving equipment. Age, height and weight were not associated with back pain. Compared to a similar study by Harber and colleagues in California, United States of America, the factors associated with back pain were quite similar in this study even though the prevalence of back pain was much higher among Greek nurses and their work load was physically much more demanding.

Factors associated with self-reported back pain were investigated using questionnaire data on 407 female nurses from a large hospital in Athens, Greece. Factor analysis was used to construct indices of pain and its impact on normal life, and also to summarize work load descriptions. Pain factors were examined in relation to work load and personal characteristics by logistic regression. Statistically significant items, in relation both to pain and impact, were the existence of previous back injury, self-reported headaches and the 'carrying and lifting' factor of work load which principally included moving equipment. Age, height and weight were not associated with back pain. Compared to a similar study by Harber and colleagues in California, United States of America, the factors associated with back pain were quite similar in this study even though the prevalence of back pain was much higher among Greek nurses and their work load was physically much more demanding.