A TENTATIVE BACK INJURY MODEL RELATED TO NURSES CARING FOR GERIATRIC-PATIENTS

This paper examines the complex relationship between the presence or a bsence of work-related back pain and other intrinsic and extrinsic fac tors such as manual lifting and proper training. By analyzing the weig ht lifting activities of 37 female nurses working in a geriatric ward, it was found that in the 7 day study period, total weight lifted not according to any recommended models was the single most significant va riable associated with work-related back pain. Factors leading to the use of non-recommended methods were patient's cooperation, nursing cat egory, and number of nurses lifting together. The effects of all varia bles on work-related back pain were found to be indirect, through impr oper load handling.