Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are widely known as the cause of severe long-term pain and physical disability affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide and are common among healthcare workers. The nursing population constitutes about 33% of the hospital workforce and is at high risk and accounts for 60% of the reported occupational injuries which significantly affects their work ability and quality of life. Thus, a study with the objective to determine the prevalence of the musculoskeletal disorders, job risk factors, coping strategies and work ability among nurses at private hospital was conducted among 100 nurses using the socio-demographic, Nordic-Musculoskeletal and work ability self-administered questionnaire 12 month prevalence of work-related MSDs (WMSDs) was 92%. Neck Pain (79%) was found to be the most prevalent disorder followed by pain in lower back (67%). 95% of the respondents perceived working in the same positions for prolonged time as a major risk factor leading WMSDs. Most of the respondents have good work ability, 32%. Work ability was significantly associated with age, Experience, working hours and exercise habits. The commonly used coping strategies in order to prevent musculoskeletal discomfort were being helped to handle heavy patients (92%) and modifying nursing procedures (81%). Owing to the high prevalence of MSDs among nurses, they should be educated about risk factors and adequate training should be given for prevention of WMSDs.

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are widely known as the cause of severe long-term pain and physical disability affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide and are common among healthcare workers. The nursing population constitutes about 33% of the hospital workforce and is at high risk and accounts for 60% of the reported occupational injuries which significantly affects their work ability and quality of life. Thus, a study with the objective to determine the prevalence of the musculoskeletal disorders, job risk factors, coping strategies and work ability among nurses at private hospital was conducted among 100 nurses using the socio-demographic, Nordic-Musculoskeletal and work ability self-administered questionnaire 12 month prevalence of work-related MSDs (WMSDs) was 92%. Neck Pain (79%) was found to be the most prevalent disorder followed by pain in lower back (67%). 95% of the respondents perceived working in the same positions for prolonged time as a major risk factor leading WMSDs. Most of the respondents have good work ability, 32%. Work ability was significantly associated with age, Experience, working hours and exercise habits. The commonly used coping strategies in order to prevent musculoskeletal discomfort were being helped to handle heavy patients (92%) and modifying nursing procedures (81%). Owing to the high prevalence of MSDs among nurses, they should be educated about risk factors and adequate training should be given for prevention of WMSDs.