Perceived physical demands in relation to work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are amongst the most common occupational illnesses in nurses due to the physically demanding and stressful occupational activities involved in their job routines. This study aimed to examine the WRMSDs annual prevalence and relationship of workplace physical demands mong nurses. A self-administered questionnaire survey was carried out among female nurses. The Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to identify the annual prevalence of WRMSDs, while, the physical demands were assessed using Karasek’s Job Content Questionnaire. In addition, the participants’ profiles of the participants were also obtained.73.1% of the nurses sustained WRMSDs for the past 12 months. The most common sites were neck, feet, upper back and shoulders. Nurses perceived high physical demands were significantly presenting WRMSDs in region one (neck and shoulders) and region four (hips, knees, ankles, and feet) with odds of risk ranging from 1.68 to 1.83. In conclusion, the prevalence of WRMSDs among Malaysian nurses is high and neck was the most prevalent site. The analyses revealed that workplace physical demands increased the risk of WRMSDs. As such, interventional program aims to prevent and reduce physical risk factors are required in near future.