Prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Risk Factors among Nurses in a Public Hospital

Abstract Background and purpose: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a group of painful disorders of muscles, tendons, and nerves. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, thoracic outlet syndrome, and tension neck syndrome are examples. Almost all work requires the use of the arms and hands, therefore, most WMSD affect the hands, wrists, elbows, neck, and shoulders. The aim of the current study was to assess the prevalence of WMSDs among hospital nurses in working time. Materials and Methods: All of nurses during the period of12 months in 10 body regions were evaluated in the workplaces by checklist data sheet assessment using the nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ). A cross-sectional study was performed through 2013 using by questionnaire and nurses who experienced WMSDs for at least 1 day during the past 12 months were included in the study. Results: WMSDs were seen mostly in the neck (28.2%), knees (18.2%) and upper back (17.3%). A significant relationship was seen between sex of participants (P < 0.05) and WMSDs, and there was a positive correlation between sex of subjects and WMSDs problem in the neck (P < 0.05). Body mass index was correlated to musculoskeletal disorders problems (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In general, subjects with patients handling/transferring had significantly higher prevalence of symptoms in most body regions than those with light physical workloads. The female nurses are more tendency to involve and occurrence of WMSDs compared to male staffs.