In Australia, one in six people suffer from back pain and an estimated 70-90% will experience this condition during their lives. Approximately 13% of people without a prior history of low back pain will develop a new episode in the next 1-2 years. In nurses, this risk has been shown to be 2-3 times greater. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify risk factors in this susceptible population group.
Deakin University is currently seeking nurses for a 3-year cohort study. All participants will undergo an evaluation of a range of risk factors for low back pain at the beginning of the study. Additionally, nurses that develop low back pain will complete follow-up assessments. Those who do not develop low back pain may also be asked to act as a matched-control for comparative purposes (and will receive AUD$20).
Upon completion of the 3-year follow-up, all participants will enter one of four draws (based on enrolment number) for AUD$500.
If you are currently employed as a nurse or are a recent nursing graduate and are interested in contributing to research that will benefit the nursing profession, please express your interest via the study-specific website: deakin.edu.au/spine.
This study is being conducted by Deakin University’s Spine Research Group, which is led by A/Prof Daniel Belavy, an internationally renowned expert in spine health. Contact: spine@deakin.edu.au
Disclaimer: This article was provided by Deakin University. While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency and completeness of any information or material included within.
