Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Health Workers in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital

Abstract

AIMS: Studies comparing the occurrence and characteristics of work – related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) across various occupational groups in the health sector from Sub-Sahara Africa are sparse. This study investigated the prevalence and pattern of WMSDs among health workers in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. METHODS: An adapted questionnaire from the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used as the survey instrument. Data were collected on demographics, lifetime, 12-months and point prevalence, and pattern and consequence of WMSDs. A response rate of 91% was obtained in this study. RESULTS: Sixty eight point seven percent of the respondents have experienced WMSDs in their occupational lives with a higher percentage among males than females (39.6 vs.29.1%). The 12-months period and point prevalence rate of WMSDs was 64.4% and 48.2% respectively. WMSDs reported mostly for low back (50%) followed by the shoulder (27.5%) and knees (18.1%). Nurses (30.4%) had the highest rate of WMSDs among the health workers. Most nurses with complaints (53.4%) took a sick leave as a result of WMSDs, followed by doctors (32%) and support staff (25%). CONCLUSIONS: WMSDs are common among health workers from Nigeria with the low back being injured most often. The rate of WMSDs and consequent sick leave is higher among nurses than other health workers. Preventive programmes on musculoskeletal disorders among health workers are recommended in order to reduce the rate of WMSDs among them and to promote efficiency in patient care.