Evaluation of the relationship between low back pain, physical activity, and quality of life in nurses

This study aimed to examine the relationship between disability due to low back pain, physical activity, and quality of life among nurses. Designed as a descriptive and cross-sectional study, the research was conducted with 349 nurses working in public hospitals in thecentral and district areas of Kastamonu, Türkiye. Data were collected using the ''DescriptiveCharacteristics Form,''''Oswestry Disability Index,''''SF-12 Quality of Life Scale'' andthe ''International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form ''.When evaluated in terms of descriptive variables, factors such as age, marital status,educational level, professional experience, having children, perceived health status, andexercise habits significantly affected both disability levels and quality of life scores.Especially among older nurses, a decrease in physical quality of life and an increase indisability were observed. Physical activity levels also varied significantly by gender, age, andincome level.In conclusion, functional impairment due to low back pain emerged as one of the most criticaldeterminants of nurses' quality of life, while regular physical activity also played a supportiverole. These findings suggest that ergonomic interventions in working conditions andinstitutional promotion of physical activity are essential for protecting and enhancing thewell-being of nurses.