WORK- RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS AMONG NURSE STAFF IN ISMAILIA, EGYPT

Abstract

Introduction: Nursing career is considered one of the most physically laborious professions which are associated with high prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Although the latter is of major concern worldwide; limited epidemiological studies on WMSDs among nurses for referencing in Egypt. Aim of work:1) Assessing the prevalence of work related musculoskeletal symptoms (MSSs) among nurses in Suez Canal University Hospital and Ismailia General Hospital, 2) determining the associations between personal and occupational characteristics, physical risk factors with MSSs of back, neck, knee, wrist and shoulder and, 3) determining the relationship between presence of musculoskeletal symptoms and its sequel. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study is implemented on 135 female nurses with full history taking including medical and occupational histories. A modified form of Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) and medical history checklist for symptoms of WMSDs from Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety is used for detection and assessment of musculoskeletal symptoms. Results: About 113(83.7%) of the participants reported musculoskeletal symptoms: 91.4% in inpatient and ICU and 77.90% in outpatient. The most prevalent site was lower back (79.3%, 58.4%) in inpatient, ICU and outpatients respectively, working in awkward positions and presence of work related symptoms with (OR:22.259, CI:4.58-108.10)(p<0.05), concentration for long periods(OR:0.25, CI:0.07-0.95) (p<0.05) presence of work shifts(OR:0.1.25, CI:1.14-1.38) (p<0.05) are the most perceived predictors for MSSs. Conclusion: A high frequency of Egyptian nurses reported WMSDs at some body sites; with the low back being the most injured site. Nurses in inpatients and ICU departments were more affected than outpatients. Working in awkward positions for long periods, presence of working shifts and concentration for long periods were the most perceived job risk factors.