Musculoskeletal Disorders and Their Related Risk Factors Among Iranian Nurses

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most occupational problems among nurses and often cause many physical and psychological complications for nurses, and are a financial burden for health-care systems. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence MSDs and their related risk factors among Iranian nurses. Patients and Methods: This descriptive-correlational study included 240 hospital nurses, with a baccalaureate nursing degree, who worked at three public hospitals of the Ilam province of Iran. Data were collected through a validated self-administered questionnaire. Finally, 156 questionnaires were returned (response rate: 65%) and 135 questionnaires qualified for subsequent analysis. The data were analyzed using the SPSS version 15.0 software. Descriptive and inferential statistics (logistic regression) were used. Results: Overall, 97 (71.9%) hospital nurses experienced MSDs in at least one anatomical site within the last year. Low back pain was the most prevalent MSDs (40%) and hip and thigh were the least (11.1%) frequent sites. Most of the nurses with MSDs worked at surgery wards (17.8%), emergency (15.6%) and intensive care units (12.6%). Pain (48.1%) and cramps (31.9%) were the most frequent symptoms of MSDs and loss of limbs control (5.9%) was the least frequent symptom. Bend or twist at waist for performing nursing procedures, patient transfer from and to beds, working with the hands higher than shoulder height and changing position of patients in beds were the most frequent occupational factors that influenced MSDs. Increased age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and gender had no significant association with MSDs. However, being single and involved in any kinds of physical activity were significantly associated with the prevalence of MSDs (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The study findings indicated high prevalence of worked-related MSDs among Iranian hospital nurses. Accordingly, appropriate policies for managing MSDs among hospital nurses should be considered. Keywords: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Nurses,Workplace, Iran