Prevalence Of Work-related Musculoskeletal Symptoms Research Articles

The prevalence, patterns and factors associated with work related musculoskeletal symptoms among surgical residents in Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya

Background: In the medical sector, surgeons work in an environment that is not ergonomically ideal, and many suffer work-related musculoskeletal symptoms that may result in reduced quality of life, disability, and diminished career longevity. While data exists on musculoskeletal symptoms in practising surgeons, this is not the case for trainee surgeons. Objective: To determine the prevalence, patterns and factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among surgical residents working in Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was done to determine the prevalence, patterns and factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among surgical residents working in Kenyatta National Hospital. An electronic questionnaire based on the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was sent to all participants via electronic messaging. Results: Two hundred and seventeen responses were received. The overall prevalence of workrelated musculoskeletal symptoms was 93%. The most commonly affected anatomic region was the lower back (68%) followed by the neck (47%). Residents from the thematic units of urology, paediatric surgery and general surgery had a 100% prevalence rate of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms. Residents from plastic surgery and ophthalmology units had the lowest prevalence rates (83% and 84% respectively). Neck symptoms were associated with using loupes (OR, 2.9, p=0.02) and microscopes (OR, 2.2, p=0.05). Female gender was associated with wrist/hand symptoms (OR, 3.84, p=0.01). Increasing age was associated with symptoms in the neck (OR, 1.22 p=0.002) and lower back (OR, 1.15 p=0.03). No association was found between overall prevalence and thematic unit (p=0.13), year of study (p=0.903) or hours in theatre (p=0.97). Conclusion and recommendations: Surgical residents experience a significantly high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms. Urology, paediatric surgery and general surgery residents had the highest overall prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms.

Assessment of Load Manual Lifting among Shelf-Stoking Workers in Chain Stores: A Cross-Sectional Study

In Iranian stores, shelf workers, in addition to shelf-stocking, perform diverse tasks, such as working as a cashier, cleaning, barcode reading, labeling goods, and entering the price with the portable data terminal (PDT). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WMSs) and assess load manual lifting among shelf-stoking workers. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 101 shelf-stoking workers (60 males and 41 females) in chain stores at Shiraz city, Iran. The subjects were selected by cluster sampling from chain stores in Shiraz city, namely Refah, Canbo, Soroush, and Tirazis. Then, the required number of samples was selected and entered into the study from each cluster in proportion. The Persian version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health–variable lifting index method were used to collect the required data. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 22 using the Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman’s correlation coefficient, and linear regression. Ankles/feet, lower back, and knees had the highest prevalence of WMSs among the participants. About 70.3% of workers had a VLI higher than 1. There was an association between gender and VLI. The VLI was higher in males than females. The study’s findings revealed that the medians of the VLI were significantly different among participants with/without upper back symptoms during 12 months prior to the study and among participants with/without lower back symptoms during 7 days prior to the study. According to the linear regression analysis, gender and lower back symptoms during 7 days prior to the study remained in the model and were associated with the VLI. The findings revealed that the back region of the shelf-stoking workers is prone to work-related musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, based on the results, gender and lower back symptoms during the 7 days prior to the study were predicting variables for VLI. This study provides an overview of pain/discomfort and postural load in shelf-stoking workers. Since the principles of ergonomics for the placement and layout of shelves are the same in all stores, the findings of the present study can be used in other stores.

The association between adverse ergonomic factors and work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among medical staff in China: a cross-sectional study

We investigated the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WMSs) among medical staff and evaluated the associations of different levels of adverse ergonomic factors with WMSs. A total of 6099 Chinese medical staff were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire to assess the prevalence and risk factors of WMSs from June 2018 to December 2020. A prevalence rate of 57.5% was observed for WMSs among overall medical staffs, which mainly affected the neck (41.7%) and shoulder (33.5%). “Keeping sitting for long hours very frequently” (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.53) was positively associated with WMSs in doctors, while “keeping sitting for long hours occasionally” (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.85, 0.97) was identified as a protective factor of WMSs in nurses. The associations of adverse ergonomic factors, organizational factors, and environmental factors with WMSs were different among medical staff in different positions.

Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Veterinary Surgeons-A Cross-Sectional Survey.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) in veterinary surgeons using an online survey. An online survey was distributed to 1,031 diplomates of American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Responses were collected with data regarding surgical activities, experience with various types of MSS in 10 different body sites and attempts to reduce MSS. Two hundred and twelve respondents (21% response rate) completed the distributed survey in 2021. Ninety-three per cent of respondents had experienced MSS associated with surgery in at least one body part, with the neck, lower back and upper back frequently affected. Musculoskeletal discomfort and pain worsened with prolonged surgical hours. Forty-two per cent of them suffered from chronic pain persisting longer than 24 hours after surgeries. Musculoskeletal discomfort was common regardless of practice emphasis and procedure types. Forty-nine per cent of respondents with musculoskeletal pain had taken medication, 34% sought physical therapy for MSS and 38% ignored the symptoms. Over 85% of respondents showed more than some concern regarding career longevity due to musculoskeletal pain. Work-related MSS are common in veterinary surgeons, and the results of this study warrant longitudinal clinical studies to determine risk factors and attention to workplace ergonomics in veterinary surgery.

The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among surgeons in Riyadh city

The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among surgeons in Riyadh city

Effect of a Developed Nursing Stretch Break Application on Work-Related Musculoskeletal Complications and Fatigue among Nurses: An Interventional Study.

The present study aimed to develop Nursing Stretch Break (NSB) application to relieve work-related musculoskeletal complications and fatigue among hospital nurses. This interventional study was conducted among 71 nurses (15 men and 56 women with a mean age of 33.32 ± 6.42) employed in Shiraz governmental hospitals, Southwest Iran, for four months. In this study, NSB was developed; it includes eight main menus for the user, including (1) Registration, (2) Stretches, (3) User panel, (4) Questions from the researcher, (5) About us, (6) Contact us, (7) Reports, and (8) Answers to questions. Data were collected pre and post-intervention via the Persian version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (P-NMQ), the Persian version of the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (P-MAF) Scale, the Persian version of the Numeric Rating Scale (P-NRS), and the Persian version of the Usefulness, Satisfaction, and Ease of use (P-USE) questionnaire. NSB application usability testing showed that the mean scores of P-USE subscales were high. The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WMSs) in the last 7 days in nurses' body parts, except the elbows and knees, was significantly lower after the intervention than before. In addition, the intensity of work-related musculoskeletal pain/discomfort in all body parts, except the knees, was significant relief after the intervention compared to before. The results demonstrated that the difference in the mean score of the total fatigue and its subscales, except "degree of interference with activities of daily living," was significant after the intervention compared to before. NSB could be a low-cost and feasible ergonomic solution to improve the nurses' musculoskeletal health.

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among young orthopedics during the surgical practice: an intervention study.

Work-related muscle-skeletal symptoms (WRMS) represent a substantial social and economic impact on the way of work and have a high incidence in surgeons. In the literature, several studies address the impact of WRMS in surgeons performing gynecological, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery, but there are no studies in the field of orthopedic surgery. This pilot study aims to assess the effectiveness of a preventive program to reduce pain. All workers filled in a standardized questionnaire, and postoperative pain in the operating room was quantified using a numeric scale (NAS). The intervention group followed ergonomic principles in the operating room supervised by a physiotherapist and specific physical exercises before and after surgery. Data were analyzed using the statistical program STATA rel. 14.0. Twenty-one surgeons were assigned to intervention groups and thirty-three to controls. At baseline, the two groups were homogeneous for anthropometric factors, and controls were older and with higher work seniority. Pain perception resulted in high in both groups in many body districts. At follow-up, after three months, the intervention group significantly reduced pain perception in all body districts for the lumbar back, knees, ankles and feet (p<0.05). In the control group, pain perception increased in all body districts investigated. We found a high prevalence of WRMS in young orthopedic surgeons, and we demonstrated the effectiveness of a preventive program through targeted ergonomic education and exercises for the most affected body districts.

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among tea garden workers in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study.

ObjectivesOccupational health is still in the developmental stage in Bangladesh. There is a lack of focus on agricultural workers. Statistics on musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) of any occupational group can assist in developing intervention and ergonomics-based prevention. This study aimed to assess work-related MSS among tea garden workers.SettingThis cross-sectional study was done in one tea garden in Moulvibazar district which has the highest number of gardens in Bangladesh.Design and participants346 tea garden workers were interviewed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire Extended Version 2. Workers 18–60 years of age and of both sexes were interviewed individually.Outcome measuresPrevalence of MSS among the tea garden workers, MSS in different body regions and MSS related informations. Sociodemographic and work-related factor associated with MSS.ResultsAmong the tea garden workers, 276 were female and 70 were male. The study showed 80.9% had symptoms in the past 12 months while 80.1% and 76.6% had in the past 4 weeks and on the day of the interview, respectively. Symptoms were most commonly reported at the shoulder (78.2%) followed by upper back (56.1%) and lower back (32.5%). Workers engaged with plucking operation were found to be significantly associated with symptoms compared with non-pluckers (p<0.05). Female workers were more likely to display symptoms in the neck (p<0.05) than male workers. Increased work hours were significantly associated with symptoms in the lower back (p<0.05). Overtime was responsible for symptoms in the elbow and hip/buttock (p<0.05). Statistics from relevant studies in India, Malaysia and Thailand were compared with the results of this study.ConclusionsThe prevalence of MSS among tea garden workers was found to be very high, and ergonomic interventions like reduction of weight load, job rotation and small breaks can reduce these symptoms.

Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among Iranian nurses and their relationship with fatigue: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe present study aimed to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WMSs), identify potential factors associated with WMSs, and determine the association between WMSs and fatigue among nurses.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out among 500 Iranian nurses. Data was gathered by the 1) Persian version of the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (P-NMQ) to examine WMSs, and 2) Persian version of the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (P-MAF) Scale to evaluate fatigue among the study population. Then, data was analyzed by SPSS version 21 using the χ2 test, multiple logistic regression for detection of potential factors associated with WMSs, and multiple linear regression for detection of potential factors associated with fatigue.ResultsAnkles/feet, lower back, knees, and shoulders had the highest prevalence of WMSs among nurses within the last 12 months prior to the study. Independent variables including age, job tenure, gender, smoking, shift work, and type of employment were significantly associated with WMSs in different body regions with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 1.635–2.835. Moreover, WMSs in some body regions were associated with subscales of fatigue and total fatigue.ConclusionsErgonomic and organizational interventions for fitting the job to the nurses considering demographic/occupational characteristics are highly essential to improve musculoskeletal system health and relieve fatigue.

Prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Dental Students at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University Dental School in Skopje

AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal problems in 3rd, 4th, and final year of study in Ss. Cyril and Methodius University Dental School.&#x0D; METHODS: All 3rd, 4th, and final year regular dental students were invited to take part in the study, which involved completing the extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. This questionnaire facilitates an assessment of troubles (ache, pain, or discomfort) with neck, shoulders, upper back, elbows, wrists/hands, low back, hips/thighs, knees, and ankles/feet.&#x0D; RESULTS: Out of a maximum possible number of 146 students, 116 agreed to participate and completed the questionnaire (33 males and 83 females). The response rate was 79.5%. The mean age of students was 22.6 years (SD = 1.52), ranging from 20 to 26 years. During the past 12 months, students have problems mostly with neck 48 (41.4%), upper back 43 (37.1%), and low back 43 (37.1%). Working hours/week was 12 h for 3rd year, 20 h for 4th, and 30 h for 5th-year students. There is a significant difference between the students from third study year with these from 4th and 6th study year regarding the neck (χ2 (2)= 6.46, p &lt; 0.05), upper back (χ2 (2) = 7.38, p &lt; 0.05), and low back (χ2 (2)= 13.79, p &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: This study reported high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among the dental students. Preventive measures and more ergonomic recommendations are indicated.

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and associated risk factors among domestic gas workers and staff of works department in Enugu, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe impact of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WMSS) permeates various occupations.ObjectiveTo compare WMSS and associated risk factors among domestic gas workers (DGWs) and staff of Works Department (SWD) in Enugu.MethodsOne-hundred adults (DGW = 50, SWD = 50) participated in this cross-sectional study. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and a demographics questionnaire were used to assess the prevalence of WMSS and related risk factors. Data were analysed using independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, and logistic regression at p < 0.05.ResultsThe DGWs (86%) had a significantly (χ2 = 24.45, p < 0.001) higher WMSS than the SWD (38%). Lower-back (54%) and shoulder (52%) were the most affected body parts among the DGWs in comparison to the hips/thighs (20%) among the SWD. Work-related factors such as daily work-duration (χ2 = 75.44, p < 0.001), lifting training (χ2 = 96.24, p < 0.001), and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) of facemask (χ2 = 100.0, p < 0.001) and gloves (χ2 = 96.09, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with general WMSS among the DGWs. However, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (OR = 1.29, p = 0.018), work duration > 8 h/day (OR = 0.001, p = 0.028), female gender (OR = 6.98–10.26, p < 0.05), sleep duration < 6 h/day (OR = 0.56–0.73, p < 0.05) and poor exercise behaviour (OR = 0.15, p = 0.013) were the identified independent risk factors of WMSS among DGWs, while DBP (OR = 0.99, p = 0.012) and female gender (OR = 6.47, p = 0.032) were the only identified independent risk factors for SWD.ConclusionWMSS is significantly higher among DGWs than the SWD. High DBP, female gender, working beyond 8 h per day, sleeping less than 6 h per day, and insufficient exercise increase the risks of WMSDs, especially among the DGWs. To mitigate the adverse effects of WMSDs, SWD and DGWs require break and leave periods, PPE and assistive devices, exercise, medical check-up, and workplace ergonomics.

The Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Jordanian Surgeons

The Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Jordanian Surgeons

Predicting musculoskeletal symptoms in workers of a manufacturing company

Background. Musculoskeletal symptoms are the leading factor responsible for sickness absence. Factors associated with the development of musculoskeletal symptoms must be identified and addressed. Objective. To investigate the 7-day prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms by body regions, and assess the contribution of individual, lifestyle and occupational risk factors to the development of musculoskeletal disorders. Methods. The sample comprised 202 white-collar and blue-collar workers. Musculoskeletal symptoms were assessed with the Nordic questionnaire, and physical activity level and sitting time with the international physical activity questionnaire. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess the associations between individual, lifestyle and occupational category factors and musculoskeletal symptoms. Results. The 7-day prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms was 41.6% (n = 84). The highest prevalence of symptoms was reported in the lower back (18.8%), followed by the wrists/hands (17.3%), neck (15.8%), shoulder (15.3%) and ankles/feet (11.4%). A significant association was found between reporting musculoskeletal symptoms and work category. In addition, musculoskeletal symptoms were reported more often by older workers. Work category was a significant predictor of pain in the lower back and shoulder regions, and gender was a significant predictor for neck pain. Conclusions. Our results emphasize the need for worksite interventions to prevent musculoskeletal symptoms in this population.

Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and coping strategies among dental auxiliaries at hospital universiti Sains Malaysia.

Dental personnel are vulnerable to work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WMSS) due to the nature of their profession. To determine WMSS experienced by dental auxiliaries and their coping strategies toward these symptoms. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 82 dental auxiliaries at a university dental hospital in Malaysia. Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and the Brief COPE questionnaire were used to measure the musculoskeletal symptoms and coping strategies of the respondents, respectively. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 22.0. Dental auxiliaries consisted of dental staff nurses (30.5%), dental surgery assistants (40.2%), dental technologists (18.3%), and healthcare assistants (11.0%). Their mean [standard deviation (SD)] age was 33.4 (7.60) years. Most of the respondents had been troubled with ache, pain, and discomfort at the neck, 54.9% (95% confidence interval 44.0%, 66.0%]. In addition, they were troubled mainly with distress at the low back (34.1%) and the ankle or feet (34.1%) which had prevented the respondents from doing their regular job over the past 12 months. The most common areas that had troubled the respondents over the past 7 days were the neck (36.6%), low back (36.6%), and ankle or feet (36.6%). The coping strategy most commonly practiced by the respondents was religion with a mean (SD) score of 3.70 (2.15), followed by active coping [3.13 (0.68)] and acceptance [3.13 (0.69)]. The prevalence of WMSS was high in the dental auxiliaries particularly in the neck region. The most common coping strategy used was religion. Awareness programs on the prevention of WMSS among the dental auxiliaries should be increased.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorder among surgeons in Gujarat.

INTRODUCTION:Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms are a major health issue in many occupations all over the world. Past researches on hospital workers have mainly been focused on nurses, and not many studies have examined musculoskeletal symptoms among doctors in various specialties. The work of surgeons can involve high levels of mental concentration and very precise movements that can be categorized as mild-to-moderate physical demands.OBJECTIVE:To identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems and their related physical and psychosocial factors of surgeons who are involved in such work.METHODOLOGY:Forty-three surgeons were enrolled in this study. To evaluate the musculoskeletal disorders, the participants were assessed through Standardized Nordic Questionnaire, Quick Exposure Check for the work pattern, and Work style Short Form for screening purpose.RESULTS:Out of 43 participants, 30 were male and 13 were female. Their mean age was 42.07 ± 12.35 years, and the mean working years ± standard deviation of the group was 15.14 years ± 9.017. On an average, they worked a total of about 8.58 h ± 1.96 per day. The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms was found in 36 participants (83.70%), while only seven surgeons (16.30%) were symptom free.CONCLUSION:The present study indicates a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in surgeons. The results also indicated that surgeons had a high sense of commitment and self-imposed pressure.

Musculoskeletal disorders among insurance office employees: A case study.

Insurance employees in India are overworked, and their jobs demand prolonged sitting hours in the office; this can lead to musculoskeletal disorders through consistent stress on the musculoskeletal system. The present study includes implications for the reduction of work-related musculoskeletal disorders to minimise sick leaves and medical expenses. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder-related issues among employees working in insurance offices and to analyse the association of pain symptoms with risk factors including demographic, occupational and psychosocial factors. The study included 400 employees from different insurance offices. Data were collected using a questionnaire about pain, a flexibility test (sit-and-reach test) and a video-based analysis of working postures using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method. The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms was the highest in the neck (57.2%), shoulders (38.5%), upper back (28.5%) and lower back (46.2%). A high persistence of musculoskeletal symptoms was observed in the neck, lower back, upper back and shoulders; the presence of these symptoms was strongly associated with predominant factors: assumed awkward posture, body mass index, job demand, RULA score and infrequent rest breaks. Additional research is required for testing the effect of interventions involving stretching exercises and/or installation of ergonomic workstations.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal problems in laboratory technicians

Purpose. The aim of this work was to analyze the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms in laboratory technicians and their relation to personal and organizational factors, as well as the lack of specific training on work-related risks. Methods. A standardized Nordic questionnaire made for the Spanish population and a survey of sociodemographic variables and organizational aspects were applied to a sample of 460 Spanish laboratory technicians. The statistical analysis was done through R version 3.4.3. Results. Of the sample studied, 84.5% presented some musculoskeletal discomfort, with a higher percentage in women. The probability of having discomfort was eight times higher for those older than 46 years and the most affected part of the body was the neck. The variables that were associated more significantly with the probability to suffer discomfort in the most affected parts of the body (neck, right shoulder and right wrist) were gender, education level, prevention knowledge and seniority. Conclusions. It is necessary to implement plans to train in specific risks according to the activities done by these professionals.

Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms in otorhinolaryngology and their relationship with physical activity. A nationwide survey.

The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery specialists and trainees in Spain, and to measure the effect that physical exercise could have on muscular discomfort. A cross-sectional survey was administered between September and December 2017 to practising otolaryngologists. Four hundred and three ENT surgeons responded, with a median age of 44.9 years, and 89.8 per cent reported discomfort or physical symptoms that they attributed to surgical practice. More female surgeons reported musculoskeletal symptoms (92.8 per cent vs 87.1 per cent; p = 0.04). When the level of physical activity was compared with the frequency of physical discomfort, no significant difference was found. This study has shown a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among ENT surgeons in Spain but has failed to demonstrate an important role of physical exercise in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders.

The relationship between mental workload and work-related musculoskeletal symptoms in different working groups in a hospital

Background Mental workloadis the operator´s mind effort, the excessive levels of which can endanger his/her health. Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WMSs) could be the result of a high mental workload. As the workload level depends on the task, this study aims to assess the relationship between mental workload and musculoskeletal symptoms in different working groups of a hospital.Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 employees in three main working groups including office staff, clinical employees, and service workers in a governmental hospital at Shiraz. Demographics, NASA Task Load Index, and Nordic musculoskeletal symptoms questionnaire were the data collection tools. SPSS, version 21, was used for data analysis.Results The mean mental workload was 66.03 in office staff, 67.86 in clinical employees, and 72.41 in service workers. The prevalence of WMSs was 67% in office staff, 62.5% in clinical employees, and 60.8% in service workers. The overall mental workload was related to symptom prevalence in the elbow, thighs, knee, and foot (P-value < 0.05).Conclusion Some domains of the mental workload are related to WMSs in the studied working groups. Paying attention to the special needs of each working group is necessary for reducing mental workload and WMSs.

Work-Related Perceptions, Injuries, and Musculoskeletal Symptoms: Comparison Between U.S.-Educated and Foreign-Educated Nurses.

Immigrants account for a significant proportion of the nursing workforce in the United States (U.S.). Although different cultural backgrounds may affect immigrant nurses' perceptions of work and occupational health risks, little research has been conducted. Defining immigrant nurses as those who received initial nursing education in foreign countries, this study examined the differences in work-related perceptions and experiences of musculoskeletal (MS) symptoms and injuries between U.S.-educated and foreign-educated nurses. We analyzed data from a cross-sectional study using a statewide random sample of 419 California registered nurses. Foreign-educated nurses reported a more positive safety climate (p = .017) and perceived their jobs as less demanding (p = .008) than did U.S.-educated nurses. The prevalence of work-related MS symptoms was significantly lower in foreign-educated nurses than in U.S.-educated nurses (p = .044), but the difference was not significant in the multivariable analyses. Positive safety climate was significantly associated with a decreased risk of work-related MS symptoms and injuries, and this relationship was greater among U.S.-educated nurses than among foreign-educated nurses. Our findings suggest that immigrant nurses may have different perceptions about safety climate and job demand, which may modify their occupational health risks.