Abstract
ObjectiveWorldwide, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a common cause of morbidity affecting occupational individuals such as health-care professionals. However, nothing is known about WMSDs in hospital nurses in Zimbabwe. This study was conducted to provide cross-sectional evidence of the 12-month prevalence, consequences and factors associated with WMSDs among 208 nurses at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals (PGH).ResultsThe response rate for the study was 55.7%. The median age for the participants was 32.0 years (interquartile range = 29–36 years). The lifetime prevalence of WMSDs in nurses was 95.7% (n = 112). The first episodes were experienced in the first 5 years of working (n = 59, 52.7%). However, 82.1% (n = 96) nurses experienced WMSDs in the last 12 months. Low back pain was the most common WMSDs reported (n = 55, 67.9%). WMSDs were significantly associated with qualification attained, postgraduate ergonomic training and working experience. Overall, 87.5% (n = 84) nurses experienced at least one of the consequences of WMSDs. Cognisant of the limitations of the study, the present study found that WMSDs are a common occurrence among nurses at PGH. This creates a need for prompt hospital education programs aimed at raising awareness among nurses on the existence of WMSDs and the consequences at PGH.
Highlights
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a common cause of morbidity affecting occupational people such as health professionals [1–9]
Tinubu et al [7] reported a prevalence of 78% among Nigerian nurses, with WMSDs associated with working in the same positions for long periods, lifting/transferring of patients and increased patient load
This study represents the first attempt to report on the prevalence of WMSDs among nurses in the country
Summary
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a common cause of morbidity affecting occupational people such as health professionals [1–9]. Nurses are reportedly the hardest hit among health-care professionals [10–15]. WMSDs interfere with productive work and quality of life [1, 4, 11, 13, 16, 17]. The prevalence of WMSDs among nurses varies between studies. Tinubu et al [7] reported a prevalence of 78% among Nigerian nurses, with WMSDs associated with working in the same positions for long periods, lifting/transferring of patients and increased patient load. Yan et al [11] observed a prevalence of 77.4% among Chinese nurses. Two systematic reviews cited poor patient transfer
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
