Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Their Associated Factors in Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study in Iran

Investigating the relationship between body structure status, work activity type, and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among detergent industry workers

BACKGROUND

The physical condition of workers' body structure and assigned duties, can contribute to the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body structure status, type of work activity, and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among workers in the detergent industry.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study involved 148 industrial workers selected based on inclusion criteria and their medical checkup records. Data collection for the study included a demographic information questionnaire, a body map questionnaire, and an assessment of the workers' musculoskeletal system conducted by three physiotherapists simultaneously.

RESULTS

54.1% of the participants had a total body structure score classified as poor or fair. The neck region showed the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (51.4%), followed by the lower back region (35.1%). Significant associations were found between abnormalities in the upper and middle limbs of the body and the prevalence of pain in the right shoulder region (Fisher/F = 9.29, P≤0.05) as well as the intermediate back region (F = 10.28, P≤0.01). Office workers experienced a higher prevalence of neck pain than workers in the product line and technical roles, with a statistically significant Odds Ratio (OR) ranging between 2.7 and 6.6 times. Conversely, industrial workers who operate powered machinery showed a higher prevalence of pain in the left shoulder (OR = 3.93) and left foot (OR = 4.07). Meanwhile, workers involved in loading and unloading tasks had a higher prevalence of pain in the middle back (OR = 3.61) and right foot (OR = 4.5) compared to office workers.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of pain in the right shoulder and middle back may be due to abnormalities in the upper and intermediate body structure. Production line workers reported a higher prevalence of pain in the left shoulder, middle back, and foot compared to office workers.

Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in Ethiopia: Evidence from a workplace cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are the leading cause of disability worldwide. Shopkeepers are prone to developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders, but they are largely overlooked in research and policy actions, particularly in developing countries. So far, there is a lack of data on the magnitude and factors influencing work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in Ethiopia. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in Gondar City, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A workplace-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2022, in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 625 shopkeepers. The data were collected using an interviewer-administered standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Analysis was made using Stata version 14. Factors associated with the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders were identified using the multivariable Poisson regression model. The adjusted prevalence ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and p-value < 0.05 were applied to establish the significance of associations.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in the past 12 months was found to be 81.1% (N = 507). The most frequently affected body part was the lower back (46.6%), followed by the upper back (43.8%) and shoulder (35.4%). Being female (p = 0.043), being in the age group of ≥40 years (p = 0.028), being overweight (p = 0.035), experiencing job stress (p = 0.006) and prolonged sitting (p = 0.045) were significant factors for the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that shopkeepers face an alarmingly high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Female, older, overweight, stressed and shopkeepers who sit in the same position for long periods of time were identified as particularly vulnerable groups. These findings call for the urgent development and implementation of preventive measures, including ergonomic adjustments, education and training programs, stress management techniques and the promotion of physical activity, to protect this vulnerable workforce from the debilitating effects of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and to ensure their long-term health and well-being.

Musculoskeletal disorders and its associated factors among hospital cleaners in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

There is a paucity of published evidence about musculoskeletal disorders among hospital cleaners in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and its associated factors among hospital cleaners in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 437 hospital cleaners participated in the study. A standardized questionnaire adapted from the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used for data collection. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders. The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among hospital cleaners was 57.2% with 95% CI (52.6-62.0). Occupational safety training [AOR: 2.34, 95% CI (1.47-3.73)], repetitive tasks [AOR: 3.09, 95% CI (1.61-5.94)], heavy lifting [AOR: 5.21, 95% CI (3.20-8.48)], work-related stress [AOR: 2.42, 95% CI (1.48-3.97) and work-related dissatisfaction [AOR: 1.97, 95% CI (1.23-3.13)] were identified as associated factors for the development of musculoskeletal disorders. In conclusion the study revealed a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder. Notably, work related and organizational factors emerged as key contributing factors to the development of disorders. The identified associations underscore the importance of targeted interventions promoting organizational change involving managers to mitigate the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and enhance overall occupational health and well-being.

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, organisational factors, and environmental factors with WMSs were different among medical staff in different positions.Practitioner summary: We conducted a multi-city study concerning the risk factors of WMSs by carrying out a face-to-face one-to-multiple questionnaire survey among medical staff in China. As a risk factor of WMSs in medical staff, adverse ergonomic factors should be paid more attention by the standard setting department and policy makers.Abbreviations: WMSDs: work-related musculoskeletal disorders; WMSs: work-related musculoskeletal symptoms; MSDs: musculoskeletal disorders; NMQ: Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaires; DMQ: Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaires; NIOSH: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; ORs: odds ratios.

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences non-academic workers: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders most commonly contribute to years lived with disability among workers. Heavy physical work, static work posture, awkward posture, force exertion, lifting and repetitive movements increase the risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among non-academic workers at the University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Non-academic workers included security personnel, catering staff, drivers, library staff, clerical staff, technicians and janitorial staff.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The study used a cross-sectional analytical design. One hundred and eight non-academic workers at the University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences were sampled through proportional stratified sampling in January 2021. An adapted Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire capturing socio-demographics and ergonomic risk factors was used to gather data. SPSS v24 was used for data analysis including frequencies, tests of association and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

One hundred non-academic workers from the University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences responded. The 3-month and 12-month prevalences of work-related musculoskeletal disorders were highest in the lower back (n = 72, 72% and n = 75, 75%) and wrists/hands (n = 60, 60% and n = 69, 69%) respectively. Sociodemographic factors such as age (p = 0.002), gender (p < 0.001), educational level (p = 0.008) and worker category (p < 0.001) were associated with increased work-related musculoskeletal disorders, while work experience (p = 0.002) was associated with a decreased prevalence of back pain and discomfort. Females (AOR = 55.90; 95% CI [3.84, 814.54]), security personnel (AOR = 39.53, 95% CI [1.57, 996.00]), catering staff (AOR = 91.3295% CI [2.24, 3724.78]) and those who attained bachelor's degrees (AOR = 73.25, 95% CI [1.46, 3682.39]), higher national diplomas (AOR = 93.49, 95% CI [1.28, 6848.04]) and national diplomas (AOR = 52.22; 95% CI [1.09, 2510.73]) had higher odds of experiencing WMSDs. Increased working experience was protective against experiencing lower back pain (AOR = 0.84; 95% CI [0.74, 0.95]).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was high among the participants. This was influenced by the nature of work as well as cultural factors.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Occupational therapists and physiotherapists need to design focused ameliorative and health promotive interventions targeting at-risk populations in universities. Employers should consider developing wellness programs for workers and promoting healthy working environments.

Do sleep and psychological factors influence musculoskeletal pain among nurses?

BACKGROUND

The physical factors associated with musculoskeletal pain in nursing personnel have been largely investigated, although the role of sleep and psychological factors resulting in musculoskeletal pain has not been addressed thoroughly.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and investigate how sleep and psychological factors influence musculoskeletal pain in a nursing group.

METHODS

Nordic standard questionnaires were distributed to 230 female nurses. Chi-square tests were performed to assess the associations between sleep problems, psychological problems, and musculoskeletal pain symptoms. Binary logistic regression analysis was also conducted to identify the primary factors influencing the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain.

RESULTS

The highest prevalence of pain was observed in the lower back, neck, and shoulders, whereas the lowest prevalence of pain was observed in the ankles, feet, elbows, and hips/buttocks. Chi-square analysis and binary logistic regression showed that sleep duration, sleep onset time, and sleep quality all significantly contributed to the development of neck and upper back pain. With regard to the psychological factors, only occupational pride and stress had a significant effect on pain; in contrast, family support did not show any significant influence.

CONCLUSION

Compared with other body regions, musculoskeletal pain in the lower back, neck, and shoulders requires more attention and preventive interventions. Special efforts should be made to shift the workday system of the nursing group because of the strong correlation between sleep problems and pain. Incentives other than penalty mechanisms should be considered seriously in nursing to boost occupational pride and relieve job stress.

Health-related risks of nursing practice at paediatric hospitals, Khartoum, Sudan

In addition the nature of nurses working environment, duties and responsibilities, nurses are facing numerous health hazards while working at hospitals. This study aimed to identify the health-related risks of nursing practice at Ahmed Gasim Hospital and Gafaar Ibnauf Children's Hospital, Khartoum State, Sudan. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at two governmental paediatric hospitals in Khartoum, from August to December 2017, in which 74 nurses were selected by convenience sampling to participate. The data was collected by a validated questionnaire and analysed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 25. About 65% of nurses reported that they had high level of awareness of health risks they were exposed to on their job while 75.7% indicated that the major factors contributing to health risks in the hospitals were working pressure and poor working environment. Low back pain was found to be the most common health-related risks (77%) that might result from the extreme pressure at work (75.7%). Gender and years of experience had statistically significant association with health hazards among nurses (0.042 and 0.047, respectively). The study concluded that the majority of nurses have high awareness of health-related risks. The reported problems were low back pain which was found to be the most common health-related risk that might result from the extreme pressure at work.

Does Postural Feedback Reduce Musculoskeletal Risk?: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: There is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among personnel working in the healthcare sector, mainly among nursing assistants and orderlies. Objective: The objective is to analyze the effectiveness of a multi-component intervention that included postural feedback in reducing musculoskeletal risk. Method: A total of 24 nursing assistants and orderlies in a hospital setting were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. After collecting sociodemographic information, a selection of tasks was made and assessed using the REBA (rapid entire body assessment) method. A multi-component intervention was designed combining theoretical and practical training, including feedback on the postures performed by the professionals involved, especially those involving high musculoskeletal risk. This program was applied only to participants in the intervention group. Subsequently, eight months after the first assessment and intervention, the second assessment was carried out using the same method and process as in the first evaluation. Results: The results indicate that the musculoskeletal risk in the second assessment in the intervention group was significantly reduced. However, no significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusion: The multi-component intervention applied can significantly reduce the musculoskeletal risk of nursing assistants and orderlies. In addition, it is a low-cost intervention with great applicability.

Evaluation of the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal pain among anesthesiology, intensive care, and surgical nurses: An observational and descriptive study

Clinical nurses can encounter musculoskeletal pain episodes stemming from regular exposure to workplace risk factors that contribute to overloads. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence and location of work-related musculoskeletal pain among Polish nurses. An observational and descriptive survey study was conducted among 136 nurses working in the anesthesiology, intensive care, and surgery units. An extended version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to investigate musculoskeletal pain. Only 8% of the participating nurses experienced no musculoskeletal pain, while 85% suffered from pain in more than one location. The lower back (67%), upper back (59%), and neck (66%) were the most common pain locations. In summary, nurses experienced multiple musculoskeletal pain episodes, occurring most frequently in the spinal region (lower and upper back and neck). It is crucial to determine the real causes of musculoskeletal pain and to take appropriate preventive measures to improve workplace ergonomics.

A Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Survey of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Analysis of Its Influencing Factors among Coal Mine Workers in Xinjiang

This study is to investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and the influencing factors among coal mine workers employed in on-site operations. The job burnout scale and MSD scale were implemented to investigate a random sample of 1,500 coal mine workers working in on-site operations in Xinjiang, China. In total, 1,325 valid questionnaires were collected, with a recovery rate of 88.33% (1,325/1,500). The rate of job burnout was 90%, of which 39.8% were categorized as mild burnout, 43.8% as moderate burnout, and 6.4% as severe burnout; the average job burnout score was 50.77 ± 11.93. The annual prevalence of MSDs was 65.6%, with the highest annual prevalence in the waist (50.7%), followed by the neck, shoulder, and knee, and the lowest prevalence in the elbow (18.8%). Of the areas of the body affected by work-related MSDs, the highest proportion of requests for leave of absence was related to the waist, accounting for 25.7% of requests, while the lowest proportion (13.4%) was related to the wrist. In addition, the incidence of MSDs increased with the years of service. The lowest incidence of MSDs was associated with the two-shift and three-group working pattern. The prevalence of MSDs in the neck and waist was higher in women than in men. The prevalence of MSDs in various body parts increased with the years of service. Moreover, multiple logistic regression indicated that three shifts with four groups (OR = 1.096, 95% CI: 0.832-1.445), working more than 10 years (OR = 3.396, 95% CI: 2.369-5.748), working more than 20 years (OR = 3.008, 95% CI: 1.419-6.337), significant bending (OR = 2.062, 95% CI: 1.400-3.038), forward neck tilting (OR = 1.572, 95% CI: 1.071-2.281), maximum force operation within a short period of time (OR = 1.7222, 95% CI: 1.164-2.547), repeated movement of upper arms or fingers (OR = 1.495, 95% CI: 1.034-2.161), slip or fall incidents (OR = 1.124, 95% CI: 1.039-1.216), work under conditions of cold or temperature variations (OR = 1.911, 95% CI: 1.342-2.720), mild burnout (OR = 1.492, 95% CI: 1.016-2.191), moderate burnout (OR = 1.852, 95% CI: 1.267-2.708), and severe burnout (OR = 2.001, 95% CI: 1.145-3.496) were risk factors for MSDs. In conclusion, there is a high annual prevalence of MSDs among the coal mine workers employed in on-site operations in Xinjiang, China. Measures to reduce this prevalence are required.

Occupational Exposure on Board Fishing Vessels: Risk Assessments of Biomechanical Overload, Noise and Vibrations among Worker on Fishing Vessels in Southern Italy

Sea fishing is one of the sectors with the highest risk of illness and work-related accidents. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the exposure of fishing workers to three major risks: biomechanical overload, noise, and whole-body vibrations. We used common methods and measurement tools in the field: observational video analysis, questionnaires, and direct measurement. Noise and vibrations levels were measured aboard five boats belonging to the main fishing communities of Southern Italy. The random sample consisted of 310 workers, of whom 108 agreed to complete a questionnaire to collect data on the perception of occupational risk and self-perception of health conditions. We found that fishermen had a high prevalence of osteoarticular pathologies (42%) and that the biomechanical overload risk is mainly related to handling manual loads. Furthermore, the results indicate that the levels of weekly noise exposure exceed the exposure limit value of 87 decibel A (dBA) for fishing workers, and that the most noisiest area is the engine room. Exposure levels to whole-body vibrations were below <0.5 m/s2. Knowledge on occupational hazards and health effects in the fisheries sector should be used to develop ship technology, raise awareness of the correct use of personal protective equipment, and improve health surveillance of these workers.