Introduction Work Family Conflict (WFC) is one of the most specific sources of stress in the nursing profession. Although the impact of this phenomenon on both family life and mental health of nurses has been well documented, its role as a risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) has only recently been the subject of scientific research.

Aim To examine the impact of WFC on the occurrence of back pain among nursing staff in a public district hospital in Tunisia.

Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on nurses assigned to a District Hospital in Tunisia, whose job seniority was at least one-year. Data collection was based on an administered questionnaire on the socio-demographic and occupational characteristics of the participants. Psychosocial factors at work and work-family interface were evaluated using the Organizational Psychological Constraints questionnaire and Carlson’s work-family conflict scale. Screening of musculoskeletal disorders of the spine was conducted through a Nordic-style questionnaire.

Results 72 nurses were included in this study with a mean age of 42.3±10.8 years. Over the past 12 months, the prevalence of back pain has been 77.8%. It was associated with gender (p=0.009), age (p=0.021), marital status (p < 10^-3), BMI (p=0.009), history of chronic disease (p=0.009), job seniority (p=0.008), the duration of home-hospital journey (p=0.024), work-family conflict (p < 10^-3) and family-work conflict (p=0.005). Multivariate analysis showed that the significant predictors of back pain were personal history of chronic diseases (p=0.009; OR = 6.5; CI95% = [1.6–26.7]) and Work-Family Conflict (p < 10^-3; OR = 11.8; CI95% = [2.9–47.3]).

Conclusion Work-family conflict is one of the most important stress factors that cause back pain among nurses. The extent of this phenomenon in this professional category justifies its consideration in any precautionary approach to prevent musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare settings.