Anthropometric measurements and postural evaluation of Nurse's aide in Selected Hospitals of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Introduction: The lack of anthropometric data in the design of work stations and equipment can lead to injuries associated with work musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate anthropometric and postural evaluation of Nurse's aide in Selected Hospitals of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences.Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was performed on the Nurse's aide working in the selected hospitals of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. In this study the Body Map questionnaire was used to assess musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and discomfort, and QEC (Quick Exposure Check) software was used to evaluate posture. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21 using descriptive statistics, independent T test and Pearson correlation with 95% confidence level.Results: The mean age and work experience of the two groups of men and women were (38.17±9.48 and 37.44±9.51) and (14.27±9.51 and 12.06±8.34) respectively. The QEC score was unacceptable and the results showed that men are more at risk than women, although this was not significant (P = 0.082). In the majority of anthropometric dimensions, there was a significant difference between men and women (p<0.05). Also, the results showed that the highest and lowest incidence of discomfort was in the waist and hips areas respectively.Conclusion: Significant anthropometric differences were observed among men and women. Establishing anthropometric database of Nurse's aide in two groups of women and men and designing a work station suitable for anthropometric dimensions can reduce MSDs.