Assessing the relationship between low back pain and job stress on the work ability index among healthcare workers in an educational hospital in Tehran

L Khedmati Hampa; M Aghilinejad; Z Artin; A Bahrami – Ahmadi; N Kassiri

doi:10.18502/tkj.v16i4.17561

L Khedmati Hampa Department of Occupational Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
M Aghilinejad Occupational Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Z Artin Department of Occupational Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
A Bahrami – Ahmadi Occupational Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
N Kassiri Department of Occupational Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/tkj.v16i4.17561

Keywords: Low back pain; Musculoskeletal complaints; Job stress; Work ability index

Abstract

Introduction: Considering that stress in the workplace for healthcare workers employees can adversely affect their work ability, diminish productivity, and lead to job dissatisfaction, burnout, as well as negative physical and mental outcomes, the present study was designed to assess the effect of low back pain and stress levels on the work ability index among healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in Iran.

Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on healthcare professionals in one of the hospitals in Tehran City in 2022. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among study participants was evaluated using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Additionally, the Work Ability Index (WAI) was employed to evaluate the participants' work ability, while the HSE Stress Questionnaire was used to measure their job stress levels.

Results: A lower level of job stress among healthcare professionals was significantly associated with daily (P=0.02) and weekly (P=0.004) working hours. Moreover, healthcare professionals who did not experience low back pain in the past week were able to work more hours per day compared to others (P=0.01). In the linear regression model, the relationship between the Work Ability Index (WAI), job stress, and job position remained statistically significant (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Tackling job-related stress and enhancing employee well-being is essential to improve work productivity and overall health. Implementing specific interventions and conducting further research could effectively contribute to achieving these goals.