WORK RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG NURSES IN OM HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTRE, KATHMANDU

Author Name: 1. Reena Mandal 2. Anita Devkota 3. Shanti Poudel 4. Shristi Rana

Volume/Issue: 03/10

Country: Nepal

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://www.doi-ds.org/doilink/04.2023-67123538/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Lecturer Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences, affiliated to Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Soalteemode,  Kathmandu
2. Registerd nurse in UK, Birmingham, United Kingdom 
3. Lecturer Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences, affiliated to Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Soalteemode, Kathmandu
4. Lecturer Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences, affiliated to Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Soalteemode,  Kathmandu

ABSTRACT

Work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMSDs) is a disorder that affects the tendons, muscles, joints, peripheral nerves, inter-vertebral discs and vascular system, resulting from work activities which are frequent and repetitive, or activities with awkward postures. In the nursing profession WRMSDs is caused by repetitive movements, continuous static awkward postures, genetic predisposition and number of years in practice. WRMSDs are common among health care workers, with the nursing population that constitutes about 33% of the hospital workforce. Thus study sought to assess the prevalence of WMSD among nurses of Om hospital and research centre.This study involved descriptive cross-sectional study of 120 nurses working in Om hospital and research centre through non probability purposive sampling technique. Self administered Modified Nordic Questionnaire was used to collect the data.This study examined the 12 month prevalence of WMSD among nursing personnel working in Om hospital and research centre. A total of 170 questionnaires were distributed to the participants of whom 120 completed the questionnaire giving a response rate of 70.58%. 29.2% of the respondents has the been affected by the work related musculoskeletal problems at least 3 times in 12 month time period and are prevented from doing the normal activities at and away from home in last 12 month time period.This study revealed that lower back is major affected body part, which is 16.7% followed by upper back (10%), ankles/feet (9.2%), neck (6.7%), knees (3.3%), shoulders (3.3%), hands/wrists (1.7%), hips/thighs (1.7%). The study concluded that working in the same position for long periods was found to be the major common risk factor. And work scheduling was found to be the least common risk factor causing work related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses. The average age of the respondents is 27 years and this study showed that the prevalence of WMSD is higher among those who are below 27 years old (35.2%) than those who are above 27 years old. Respondents who never had training on injury prevention are found to have higher prevalence of WMSD (32.3%) when compared to those having training that is (18.5%). This study showed that the respondents working in general ward has the high prevalence of WMSD (32.7%) than the respondents working in specific wards/units (26.5%). Respondents having less than 6 years of professional experience as a nurse has the higher prevalence of WMSD (32.8%) than those having more than 6 years experience (25.0%).Respondents who do not take breaks in between the patients care had the higher prevalence of WMSD (30.0%) when compared to those taking breaks (28.3%) and these were statistically significant with p<0.05.This study shows that 29.2% of the respondent has the prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorder. Lower back is the most affected body part followed by upper back, ankles/ feet, neck, knees, shoulders, hands/wrists, hips/thighs.This study shows that taking or not taking break time between caring the patient has the significant impact on the prevalence of WMSD. Other problems identified were caring the 1 patient for more than 60 minutes, not having training on injury prevention. The most common risk factor was found to be working in the same position for prolong period.This study recommends detailed research and training on injury prevention and body mechanics to the nurses relating to WMSD and risk factors

Key words: Prevalence, WRMSDs, Nurses, Risk factors