# Perceived stress and lower back pain amongst nurses during the SARS-CoV-2, across hospitals in Durban, South Africa

## TL;DR

This study examines how stress and lower back pain increased in South African nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic and suggests interventions like exercise and education.

## Contribution

The study links increased stress and lower back pain in nurses during the pandemic and highlights the need for exercise and education interventions.

## Key findings

- Higher pain and stress levels were observed during versus prior to the pandemic.
- Most nurses did not perform or receive exercise interventions for lower back pain.
- Medication use for pain showed no significant change during the pandemic.

## Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic strained the healthcare sector and workers. Nurses experienced stress and burnout because of strain in resources, limited staff and exposure risk. Resultant lower back pain was prevalent. Nurses were poorly equipped to manage these conditions physically and psychologically.

The study aims to investigate lower back pain and stress levels during COVID-19. It also aims to provide data describing any association between both.

Pain and stress were determined using questionnaires. Quantitative, descriptive design and convenient sampling were used. The Chi-square goodness-of-fit-test tests significant Back Pain Functional Scale (BPFS) responses (12 daily activities lower back pain) and determines the relationship between pain and stress before and during COVID-19 related to the current time. Chi-square test of independence is used on cross-tabulations to determine the relationship between stress and lower back pain. Fisher’s exact test was used for conditions not met. The Binomial test was used for the significance check of yes/no response to medication use. A questionnaire was provided on exercise levels and provision by workplace.

Higher pain and stress were noted during versus prior to COVID-19. Back Pain Functional Scale showed no difficulty performing the majority of activities. A small percentage used medication, showing no significant change. Majority did not perform exercise for reducing lower back pain prior to or during COVID-19. Exercise intervention was not provided by workplaces for the majority, during or prior to COVID-19.

Lower back pain and perceived stress levels increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Provision of lower back pain education and exercise intervention in preventing and managing lower back pain in hospital nurses was needed. This study adds to the stress and lower back pain knowledge base in South Africa.

The findings assist in understanding the effects of Covid-19 on stress and lower back pain in nurses, linkage of the two, and possible interventions to reduce these effects using knowledge enhancement and prescribed exercise interventions.