Role of ergonomic and psychosocial factors in the reporting of back injuries among US home health aides

Introduction: Due to an aging population and rising hospital costs, home health aides (HHAs) are one of the fastest-growing health occupations in the U.S. HHAs face unique job hazards including overexertion, stress, strain and verbal abuse, but risk factors for workplace injuries have rarely been investigated. In the present study we investigated the association between ergonomic and psychosocial workplace factors with reported back injuries among a nationally representative sample of HHAs. Methods: We used the 2007 U.S. National Home Health Aide Survey, representing over 160,700 home health aides, to examine relationships between back injuries and (a) psychosocial and (b) ergonomic workplace factors using sample weighted multivariable logistic regression. Results: An estimated 5.2% reported at least one back injury during the past year. There were no significant differences in race, education or income in injury reporting. In terms of ergonomic factors, injury risk was increased in HHAs reporting the need for additional ergonomic equipment (Odds Ratio (OR) = 4.64; Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.6-14.0; p=0.006), whilst for the psychosocial factors, poor supervisor support marginally increased injury risk (OR: 3.85; CI = 0.8-18.3; p=0.091). Conclusion: The current study suggests that lack of ergonomic equipment and supervisor support may be risk factors for back injuries among HHAs. Addressing workplace ergonomic and psychosocial factors may decrease injury risk and, thus, also related organizational expenses.