Abstract
BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorder (MSD) is currently recognized as one of the most common occupational injuries for which nursing personnel in the medical service industry have been identified as a high-risk group. In this study, we explore the prevalence of MSD in various body parts as well as their risk factors among hospital nurses.MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive design with stratified cluster sampling was used to collect data from 1,803 nurses. The survey included a demographic questionnaire, and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire.ResultsThe results showed that the greatest prevalence of MSD symptoms by body regions were in the right shoulder (85.8%), the left shoulder (80.9%), the neck (62.4%), the right wrist (62.2%) and the lower back (60.4%). Risk factors for shoulder discomfort includes department type, exercise habits, and age (p < .05). Risk factors for neck discomfort includes seniority in the current unit, “job title, and “history of MDS (p < .05). Risk factors for upper back discomfort includes age and seniority in the current unit (p < .05). Risk factors for lower back discomfort including seniority in the current unit, department type, and number of days worked per week (p < .05).ConclusionsThe results of this study can serve as a reference for nursing administration managers and decision-makers for reducing musculoskeletal discomfort among nurses and thereby achieving superior quality in clinical care.
Highlights
Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) is defined as connective tissue or musculoskeletal disease that causes muscle pain or injury due to sudden or continuous contact, repeated exercise, force, vibration, or incorrect posture movements [1,2]
The results showed that the greatest prevalence of MSD symptoms by body regions were in the right shoulder (85.8%), the left shoulder (80.9%), the neck (62.4%), the right wrist (62.2%) and the lower back (60.4%)
Musculoskeletal disorders risk among nurses were the locations on the body with the highest prevalence rates of MSD
Summary
Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) is defined as connective tissue or musculoskeletal disease that causes muscle pain or injury due to sudden or continuous contact, repeated exercise, force, vibration, or incorrect posture movements [1,2]. MSD has been recognized as one of the most common occupational injuries, and nurses in the medical service industry have been identified as a high-risk group for such injuries [3]. The worldwide epidemiological studies have revealed a high incidence and prevalence of low back musculoskeletal complaints among nurses [4]. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are among the leading causes of occupational diseases among healthcare professionals worldwide [5,6,7]. Awareness of physical discomfort can affect an individual’s daily life, and when severe, the individual may need to take leave from work or seek medical help. Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) is currently recognized as one of the most common occupational injuries for which nursing personnel in the medical service industry have been identified as a high-risk group. We explore the prevalence of MSD in various body parts as well as their risk factors among hospital nurses
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