PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF MUSCULOSKELETAL COMPLAINTS AMONG NURSES OF MANSOURA UNIVERSITY CHILDREN HOSPITAL

Abstract

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are described as discomforts experienced by the worker on the musculoskeletal and neurovascular systems. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, nurses are in the 10 major occupations which have the high risk of work-related musculoskeletal disease. It is more relevant in less-developed countries because of prolonged hospital stays and increased patient loads. Aim of work: To estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints and its associated factors among nurses. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study with comparative component was conducted among nurses working in Mansoura Children University Hospital during the period from January to May 2017. Data was collected using a questionnaire included personal, past and occupational histories. Furthermore, a Nordic Questionnaire was used to examine the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among the participants. Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was employed to study the possible associated ergonomic factors. Results: The prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among nurses was 85.9 % .The most common sites were elbow (85.2%) followed by pelvis/thigh (74.9%) and wrist (64.6%). Surprisingly the least site for pain was low back pain (37%). This prevalence was statistically lower among age group (30- <40 years old) compared to younger age group (80.0% versus 91.2%). It increased for continuous working ≥ 6 hours and shift work with adjusted odds ratio (2.59, 2.19; respectively). Conclusion: Nearly 86% of the pediatric nurses reported 1-year prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints affecting mostly elbow, pelvis/thigh and wrists/hands. Ergonomic assessment and preventive intervention should be conducted to decrease the prevalence through improving associated occupational factors and implementing preventing programs as manual handling techniques.