Low back pain, quality of life, and functional disability among drivers and nurses working in home healthcare services: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent issue among workers in physically demanding occupations, including drivers and nurses. This study aims to evaluate the severity of low back pain, its impact on quality of life, and functional disability among drivers and nurses working in home healthcare services. Methods: This observational, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted with 100 participants (50 drivers and 50 nurses) working in home healthcare services. Pain severity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional disability using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and quality of life using the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). Differences between groups were analyzed using independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was performed to control for age, sex, and BMI, while multiple linear regression was used to identify predictors of disability scores (p < 0.05). Results: Drivers had significantly higher mean age, height, and weight compared to nurses (p < 0.05), while Body Mass Index (BMI) was similar between groups (p > 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups regarding pain intensity (VAS), disability level (ODI), and quality of life (SF-36) subscales. ANCOVA for age, sex, and BMI confirmed no significant effect of occupational group on clinical outcomes. Multiple regression analysis revealed that pain intensity during activity, rather than the occupational group, was the strongest predictor of disability level (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Nurses and drivers working in home healthcare services exhibited comparable levels of low back pain severity, functional disability, and quality of life. Pain intensity during activity, rather than occupational role, emerged as the primary determinant of functional disability. Clinical trial: Not Applicable.