BACK GROUNDrnStudies showed slightly higher lifetime prevalence of lower back pain (LBP) among nurses and itrnis also a common cause of morbidity in the general as well as the working population. But, it isrnunder studied in nurses working in Ethiopia.rnObjectivernThe main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of low back pain and associatedrnrisk factors among nurses working at Tikur Anbessa specialized and Zewditu Memorialrnhospitals.rnMethods and materialsrnA cross-sectional study including all randomly selected nurses currently working in the aboverntwo hospitals was conducted using a structured self-administered questionnaire.rnResultsrnThree hundred sixteen nurses (123 [38.9%] males and 193 [61.1%] females) participated in thernstudy. The 12 month prevalence of LBP was 147 (46.5%). The prevalence was slightly higher inrnfemale nurses (50.3%).rnLBP was significantly associated with working hours, bad body posturing, having direct patientrncontact and previous history of trauma. 74 (50.3%) and 13 (8.8%) nurses reported mild andrnsevere LBP, respectively. Chronic LBP accounted for 83.7% cases. Only 63 (42.9%) of nursesrnwith LBP sought treatment. 49 (27.1%) nurses had been off-duty in one time or the other in thernpast one year and the total work days lost were 427 days.rnConclusionrnThough it is not associated with a significant loss of work days, LBP is prevalent among nurses.rnDifferent occupational and non-occupational factors increased the risk. This can decrease the dayrnto day effectiveness and job satisfaction of nurses and affect quality of their lives as well asrnpatient care.