Factor associated with self-reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Brazilian adults

Is occupational noise associated with arthritis? Cross-sectional evidence from US population

BACKGROUND

The impact of occupational noise exposure on various diseases, including ear and cardiovascular diseases, has been studied extensively. Nevertheless, the connection between osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and occupational noise exposure remains largely unexplored in real-world scenarios. This study assessed the association between occupational noise exposure and the prevalence of two types of arthritis.

METHODS

This study used database data from 2005 to 2012 and 2015-March 2020 from the prepandemic National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) related to occupational noise exposure and arthritis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between occupational noise exposure and RA/OA, adjusting for age, gender, race, education level, marital status, the ratio of family income to poverty, trouble sleeping, smoking status, alcohol consumption, diabetes, hypertension, body mass index (BMI), metabolic equivalents (METs), and thyroid disease.

RESULTS

This study included 11,053 participants. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that previous exposure to occupational noise was positively associated with self-reported RA (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.18-1.73) and OA (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.07-1.46). Compared to individuals without a history of occupational noise exposure, those with an exposure duration of 1 year or greater exhibited higher odds of prevalent RA, though there was no apparent exposure response relationship for noise exposure durations longer than 1 year. The results of our subgroup analyses showed a significant interaction between age and occupational noise exposure on the odds of self-reported prevalent OA.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest an association between occupational noise exposure and the prevalence of RA and OA. Nevertheless, further clinical and basic research is warranted to better explore their associations.

Inequalities in employment and gender differences in the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders cases: a nationwide survey from Brazil, 2019

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) and to determine whether differences regarding the employment status (standard and non-standard), according to gender, increased the probability of WRMDs.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Data from the 2019 National Health Survey (NHS) in Brazil were used. In total, 50,066 participants, both women and men, aged 18-65 years were included. Data were analysed for self-reported WRMDs. The binary logistic regression model, adjusting for possible covariables, was used to evaluate the association between working in the labour market and the occurrence of WRMDs. For covariates in the multivariate analysis, a P-value of <0.20 was considered in the univariate analysis. The variables with a P-value of <0.05 remained in the model. The odds ratio (OR), together with their confidence intervals at 95% (95% CI), were estimates both in the univariate and multivariate models.

RESULTS

The prevalence of WRMDs was higher in women (4.2%) than men (1.9%). The likelihood of WRMDs was associated with the employment status only among men and proved to be lower for non-standard employment than standard employment (OR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.43-0.87). Only among women, an increase in the likelihood of WRMDs associated with exposure to occupational noise was observed (OR = 1.77; 95% CI = 1.31-2.38) and a less favourable self-reported health (OR = 1.66; 95% CI = 1.08-2.54). Results showed higher change of WRMD for men and women associated with rheumatoid arthritis (men: OR = 3.94; 95% CI = 2.10-7.38; women: OR = 2.39; 95% CI = 1.68-3.39), depression (men: OR = 2.62; 95% CI = 1.54-4.45; women: OR = 2.39; 95% CI = 1.68-3.39) and occupational accidents (men: OR = 4.36; 95% CI = 2.34-8.14; women: OR = 2.20; 95% CI = 1.19-4.07).

CONCLUSIONS

It is possible that the "double presence" that involves both the productive and reproductive spheres explains the higher prevalence of WRMDs among women Indicators that are sensitive to the effects of gender norms are necessary to understand the context of inequalities in the prevalence of WRMDs. The results of this study should be considered when developing strategies in the workplace and public health policies to reduce the prevalence of WRMDs.

Relationship of Healthy Building Determinants With Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Extremities: A Systematic Review

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a substantial societal burden and various factors affect their causation, recovery, and prognosis. Management of MSDs is complex and requires multifaceted interventions. Given the challenges of MSDs and their continued burden, it is possible that additional elements could impact these disorders that have not been fully researched, for example, indoor environmental quality. Our previous review provided preliminary evidence that healthy building determinants (HBDs) are associated with the risk of back and neck pain. However, the relationship of HBDs with extremity MSDs and general MSDs (i.e., MSDs involving multiple body regions or in which body regions were unspecified in the original reports) has not been formally studied. The purpose of this review was to conduct a systematic literature review to assess the relationship of HBDs with extremity and general MSDs (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022314832). PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and PEDRo databases were searched through April 2022. Inclusion criteria for study eligibility were as follows: humans of ages ≥18 years, reported on one or more of eight HBDs (1. air quality and ventilation, 2. dust and pests, 3. lighting and views, 4. moisture, 5. noise, 6. safety and security, 7. thermal health, 8. water quality), and compared these HBDs with extremity MSDs or general MSDs, original research, English. Exclusion criteria were as follows: articles not published in peer-reviewed journals, full-text articles unavailable. Review procedures were conducted and reported in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. Empirical evidence statements were developed for 33 pairwise comparisons of HBDs with MSDs. The search uncovered 53 eligible studies with 178,532 participants. A total of 74.6% (39/53) of the studies were cross-sectional and 81.1% (43/53) were fair quality. Overall, the majority of uncovered evidence indicates that HBDs are related to risk of extremity and general MSDs. Nineteen comparisons support that as HBDs worsen, the risk of MSDs increases. Six comparisons had conflicting evidence. Three comparisons support that poor HBDs are not related to increased risk of extremity and general MSDs. Five comparisons had no evidence. This systematic review builds upon previous work to provide useful starting points to enhance awareness about the HBD-MSD relationship. These findings can help inform research and public health efforts aimed at addressing suboptimal HBDs through appropriate interventions to improve the lives of those suffering from MSDs.

Prevalence of low back pain and work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Brazilian domestics and cleaners: 2013 and 2019 National Health Survey

Introduction

Low back pain and work-related musculoskeletal disorders are two of the leading causes of absenteeism worldwide.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence and predictive factors of low back pain and work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Brazilian domestics and cleaners.

Methods

This population-based cross-sectional study used data from the 2013 and 2019 National Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde), involving a total of 8,160 workers. The prevalence of low back pain and work-related musculoskeletal disorders was calculated based on adjusted prevalence ratio by Poisson regression and 95%CI.

Results

The prevalence of lowback pain was 19.1% in 2013 and 20.6% in 2019, while the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was 2.2% in 2013 and 2.4% in 2019. Low back pain was associated with older age (prevalence ratio: 1.74; 95%CI 1.44-2.09), poor or very poor self-rated health (prevalence ratio: 2.10; 95%CI 1.76-2.50), holding a prepaid health plan (prevalence ratio: 1.27; 95%CI 1.09-1.47), and moderately severe (prevalence ratio: 2.27; 95%CI 1.84-2.80) or severe (prevalence ratio: 2.32; 95%CI 1.77-3.04) depressive symptoms. Musculoskeletal disorders affected domestics less frequently (prevalence ratio: 0.53; 95%CI 0.40-0.72) and were associated with women (prevalence ratio: 2.50; 95%CI 1.34-4.66), adults (40-59 years) (prevalence ratio: 1.79; 95%CI 1.26-2.55), holding a prepaid health plan (prevalence ratio: 2.31; 95%CI 1.63-3.26), and the presence of moderately severe (prevalence ratio: 4.00; 95%CI 2.34-6.86) or severe (prevalence ratio: 3.63; 95%CI 1.77-7.46) depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Brazilian domestics and cleaners need interventions and improvements in health care given the prevalence of low back pain and musculoskeletal disorders as well as their association with depression.

Utility of Person-Environment-Occupation model in exploring sex-specific causes of work-related traumatic brain injury: a retrospective chart review

BACKGROUND

Work-related traumatic brain injury (wr-TBI) is on the rise. The pre-injury period, a significant consideration for preventive initiatives, is largely unexplored.

OBJECTIVES

To identify Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) variables associated with wr-TBI to inform sex-specific primary prevention.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review data were analyses. Two-tailed t-test and chi-squared tests were used to study sex differences. Multivariate logistic regression models of wr-TBI were fit with a priori defined PEO variables.

RESULTS

The sample comprised 330 consecutive workers with wr-TBI (40.8 ± 11.1 years old, 71% male). Sex differences were observed across PEO variables. In multivariable logistic regression analyses the odds of sustaining a wr-TBI from a fall increased with the presence of a mood disorder and participation in non-labourer occupations (odds ratio (OR) 2.89 (95% CI 1.06-7.89) and OR 2.89 (95% CI 1.06-7.89), respectively) and decreased being a male (OR 0.31 (95% CI 0.17-0.54)). The odds of sustaining a wr-TBI from being striken by an object was greater in workers with prior head injury (OR 2.8 (95% CI 1.24-6.45)). None of the variables studied were associated with wr-TBI sustained from being striken against an object.

CONCLUSIONS

Workers' health status pre-injury is associated with external causes of wr-TBI. Sex differences across PEO categories warrant further study.

The burden of low back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout and their respective attributable risk factors in Brazil: results of the GBD 2017 study

INTRODUCTION

Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are a major cause of disability worldwide. Different modifiable risk factors are associated to these disorders. The objective of this study was to analyze the burden of low back pain (LBP), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), and gout, attributable to risk factors, in 2017.

METHODS

The burden of LBP, RA, OA, and gout, and attributable risk factors were analyzed using data extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Brasil-2017 study. Descriptive analysis was conducted to compare disability-adjusted life years (DALY) rates between sexes and age groups (15-49 and 50-69 years), in 2017.

RESULTS

The highest rates of DALY due to LBP were attributed to occupational ergonomic factors in the 15-49-year group, regardless of sex and males aged 50-69 years, whereas smoking was the major contributor in the 50-69-year female group. RA-related DALY rates were attributed to smoking and were higher among women aged 50-69 years. High body mass index (BMI) was the most relevant risk factor for the burden of OA, with higher rates detected in the 50-69-year group, and it was the most significant risk factor for DALY rate attributed to gout, regardless of sex or age group.

CONCLUSIONS

Occupational surveillance measures are indicated to prevent LBP. Actions to decrease smoking and overweight, and the surveillance of weight gain are warranted to decrease the burden of LBP, RA and OA, and gout, respectively. These actions will be more effective if age and sex differentials are considered in planning.

Musculoskeletal symptoms in formal and informal caregivers of elderly people

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms in formal and informal caregivers of elderly people, and check association with personal and work-related factors.

METHODS

this is a cross-sectional study. Instruments for assessment were the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20, Borg's effort perception scale and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire.

RESULTS

informal caregivers had been working for a longer time (60.2% vs. 41%), had more hours of work (37.4% >12h for day), less time off (85.4% vs. 2.5%) and lack of care guidelines (90.2%). The region with the most musculoskeletal symptoms was the spine and the greater dependence of the elderly, the greater the chances of developing musculoskeletal symptoms (OR= 1.3, 95% CI= 1.1-1.6, p <0.05).

CONCLUSION

personal and work-related factors were more prevalent in informal group and the elderly person's dependence interferes with the increase in musculoskeletal symptoms of caregivers.

Health and work in Brazil: physical and psychosocial demands

This study aims to describe the prevalence and factors associated of physical and psychosocial demands among Brazilian workers. Data were obtained from the 2013 Brazilian National Health Survey. Physical demand was defined as jobs that require intense physical effort or excessive walking, whereas psychosocial demand was defined as involvement in stressful activities. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the association between demands and health conditions, occupational characteristics, and work conditions. Out of 39,590 participants, 54.4% reported physical demands and 35.5% psychosocial demands at work. After adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, occupational characteristics, and work conditions remained significantly associated with physical or psychosocial workload. The results suggest that in Brazil the work has a high level of physical and psychosocial demands, which are associated with occupational features and health conditions. It is necessary to incorporate work activities as significant factors to investigate the causes of diseases. And the interventions and policies aimed at preventing the negative occupational exposures are urgent, and can contribute to improve physical and psychosocial health at the workplace.

Levels of Physical Activity and Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Physicians in Saudi Arabia Post COVID-19 Lockdown: An Epidemiological Cross-Sectional Analysis

Introduction:

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common worldwide. Recommendations to reduce discomfort often commence with increasing physical activity levels. In Saudi Arabia, levels of physical activity prior to the COVID-19 pandemic were low. This cross-sectional study aims at estimating the prevalence of MSDs among Saudi physicians, as well as determining the pattern and level of physical activity post lockdown and examining their association.

Methods:

Physical activity levels were assessed via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and MSDs were assessed via the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Chi-squared tests with significance levels of <.05 were performed to explore bivariate associations. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were given by binary logistic regression analyses.

Results:

A total of 3492 physicians participated in this study, and over half of them (63.55%) reported low physical activity. Risk of MSDs increased with aging and with increasing BMI (P for trend <.05). Females were more likely to report MSDs (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.07-1.86), as well as physicians with a chronic condition (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.24-1.37) and those who work in shifts (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.03-1.37). Moderate activity conferred a non-significant protective effect (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.79-1.13), whilst high physical activity had a non-significant increased risk of MSDs in this population.

Conclusion:

Physical activity in this population is astonishingly low, while prevalence of MSDs is relatively high. Significant factors include age, sex, shift work, and the presence of chronic conditions. Current results warrant the consideration of preventive measures for physicians.

Musculoskeletal symptoms and presentism among professionals of public health management of Belem-PA, Brazil

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders affect the performance of workers and can increase presenteeism, a condition in which the employee comes to the workplace but does not produce satisfactory results because he is ill. Objective: To identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and its association with presenteeism among public health management professionals of Belem-PA, Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out with 88 professionals from the Municipal Health Department of Belem. A sociodemographic questionnaire was used to characterize the sample; the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to identify the prevalence of pain, numbness, and tingling symptoms in the body; and the Stanford Presenteeism Scale to characterize presenteeism. Associations between variables were analyzed using a 5% significance level. Results: Musculoskeletal symptoms in the upper and lower back were the most prevalent. Presenteeism was significantly associated with daily workload, physical activity, and the presence of diagnosed musculoskeletal diseases or injuries. In the past 12 months, musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck, upper and lower back, wrists/hands, and hips/thighs have been associated with presenteeism. In the past 7 days, presenteeism has been associated with symptoms in the upper back and lower back. Conclusion: The most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders in health management professionals are associated with presenteeism.

Quality of Life and Associated Factors in Young Workers

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to identify the factors associated with the quality of life of young workers of a Social Work of Industry Unit.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 1270 workers. Data were collected using a digital questionnaire built on the KoBoToolbox platform that included the EUROHIS-QOL eight-item index to assess quality of life. Demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and clinical variables were considered explanatory. The associations were analyzed using the ordinal logistic regression model at a 5% significance level.

RESULTS

Men and women had a mean quality of life of 31.1 and 29.4, respectively. Workers that rated their health as "very good" had an odds ratio of 7.4 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.17-10.81), and those who rated it as "good" had an odds ratio of 2.9 (95% CI = 2.31-3.77). Both these groups of workers were more likely to have higher levels of quality of life as compared to workers with "regular", "poor", or "very poor" self-rated health. Physically active individuals were 30% more likely to have higher levels of quality of life (odds ratio = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.08-1.65). After adjusting the model by gender, age group, marital status, socioeconomic class, self-rated health, nutritional status, and risky alcohol consumption, the odds ratio of active individuals remained stable (odds ratio = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.05-1.66).

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, self-rated health, physical activity, and gender were associated with young workers' quality of life.

Effectiveness of integrative medicine practices on workers' health within private companies

Introduction:

The attention to workers’ health is fundamental not only considering economical aspects (reducing absenteeism) but also for guaranteeing their quality of life.

Objectives:

To verify whether integrative medicine practices are effective for workers in private companies.

Methods:

Data were obtained from medical records of the acupuncture service of Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Piracicaba, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. This is a descriptive study that evaluated the effectiveness of invasive and non-invasive integrative medicine practices in workers’ health through the use of the visual numeric scale for measuring pain, as well as independent variables (sex, age, types of physical and emotional complaints). Our sample consisted of 259 workers in 14 companies. Results were statistically evaluated using a Student’s t-test and a significance level of p = 0.05.

Results:

Most of the patients that sought integrative medicine services were women (73%), with a mean age of 38 years. The mean visual numeric scale value for workers that had physical pain complaints at the first session was 4.96, while that at the final session was 1.38; this reduction was significant (p < 0.0001). Emotional symptoms showed a visual numeric scale reduction of 5.18 to 1.90 (p < 0.0001). Regardless of the practice type (invasive or non-invasive), we observed a reduction in visual numeric scale values over integrative medicine sessions, although invasive therapies resulted in a stronger reduction than non-invasive ones (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

Overall, integrative medicine practices had a positive impact on workers’ health, reducing physical and emotional pain.

Auriculotherapy and reducing chronic musculoskeletal pain: integrative review

OBJECTIVES

to describe the scientific evidence on the use of auriculotherapy to reduce chronic musculoskeletal pain in adults and the elderly.

METHODS

integrative literature review conducted in the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences, SciVerse Scopus and MEDLINE databases (via National Library of Medicine), in March 2019, with no time frame.

RESULTS

14 original scientific articles were analyzed, 64.3% of which were classified with level of evidence 2. All productions show the benefit of auriculotherapy in reducing chronic musculoskeletal pain, especially in the lumbar spine (42.9%). The treatment was developed in one or more sessions, using semi-permanent needles (42.9%) and electro-auriculotherapy (21.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

auriculotherapy was effective in reducing chronic musculoskeletal pain, showing itself as an alternative to be used for the promotion and recovery of individuals' health.

Intersectional Inequalities and Individual Heterogeneity in Chronic Rheumatic Diseases: An Intersectional Multilevel Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To examine how intersections of multiple sociodemographic variables explain the individual heterogeneity in risk of being diagnosed with any of following chronic rheumatic diseases (CRDs): osteoarthritis (OA), gout, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or spondyloarthritis (SpA).

METHODS

We identified individuals ages 40-65 years residing in Skåne, Sweden by December 31, 2013 and having done so from January 1, 2000 (n = 342,542). We used a Skåne health care register to identify those with a diagnosis of the CRD of interest between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015, with no previous such diagnosis during 2000-2013. We created 144 intersectional social strata (ISS) using categories of age, sex, education, income, civil status, and immigration. For individuals nested within ISS, we applied multilevel logistic regression models to estimate the variance partition coefficient (VPC) as a measure of discriminatory accuracy of the ISS and the predicted absolute risks and 95% credible intervals for each stratum.

RESULTS

Overall, 3.5%, 0.5%, 0.2%, and 0.2% of the study population were diagnosed with OA, gout, RA, and SpA, respectively. The VPC ranged from 16.2% for gout to 0.5% for SpA. Sex explained the largest proportion of between-strata variation in risk of RA, gout, and SpA, while age was the most important factor for OA. The most between-strata differences in risk of these CRDs were due to the additive main effects.

CONCLUSION

Despite meaningful between-strata inequalities in the risk of being diagnosed with CRDs (except SpA), there were substantial within-strata heterogeneities that remain unexplained. There was limited evidence of intersectional interaction effects.

Association between perception of bodily discomfort and individual and work organisational factors in Brazilian slaughterhouse workers: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Brazil is the world's second largest poultry meat producer and leading exporter. Many poultry processing tasks are physically demanding and involve factors that increase the risk of developing a work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD). However, little is known about the assessment of bodily discomfort in these workers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between perception of bodily discomfort and individual and work organisational factors in poultry slaughterhouse workers.

DESIGN

Descriptive, cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Three poultry slaughterhouses in the South of Brazil.

PARTICIPANTS

This paper included 925 workers of 3 poultry slaughterhouses, 575 women and 350 men. The selection of the participants was random.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Workers were asked about individual factors, work organiation, perception of bodily discomfort and cold, as well as ingestion of pain medication. Crude and adjusted ORs were estimated and 95% CIs were derived from binary logistic regression analysis for perception of bodily discomfort.

RESULTS

There was a significant association (p<0.05) between perception of bodily discomfort and female gender (OR=1.77; 95% CI 1.30 to 2.41), performance of repetitive tasks (OR=1.81; 95% CI 1.12 to 2.91) and perception of cold (OR=2.05; 95% CI 1.44 to 2.91).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this research demonstrated that the sector of occupational safety and health management in poultry slaughterhouses should monitor the symptoms of WMSD among their workers, especially female workers, workers who perform repetitive tasks, as well as those who perform tasks in cold environments because these groups are more likely to experience bodily discomfort.

DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF MOBILE APPLICATION FOR THE PREVENTION OF MUSCULOSKELETAL RISKS IN NURSING WORK

ABSTRACT Objective: to develop a multi-platform mobile application for the prevention of musculoskeletal risk factors related to nursing work in a hospital unit and to evaluate the usability criteria with nurses and computer professionals. Method: technological production study for the development of a mobile application, following the phases of software engineering: analysis of requirements, design and specification, construction, internal tests, maintenance and external evaluation. The product was evaluated for usability by nurses from public hospital units in the city of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). The System Usability Scale instrument was used for the evaluation of the nurses and the instrument of heuristics of compliance of digital interfaces was used with the informational technology professionals. The application development period lasted from November 2017 to March 2018 and the usability assessment from March to May 2018. Results: the evaluation data showed that the application shows agreement and compliance with the principles of usability in the criteria of effectiveness, efficiency and user satisfaction, however, the evaluators suggest that the application's functionalities should be simplified. Conclusion: the application was designed as a care strategy for the nursing professional, considering the musculoskeletal risks which they are exposed to in their professional activities. The development and evaluation methods were satisfactory and the proposed objectives were achieved.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among registered general nurses: a case of a large central hospital in Harare, Zimbabwe

Objective

Worldwide, 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).

Results

The 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.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3412-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.