PREVALENCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN IN NURSES

Abstract

Background- : Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a common cause of morbidity affecting many working individuals. These disorders lower the individual’s productivity and also affect quality of life. Healthcare workers are known to be at a high risk for WMSDs. However, it is one of the least studied occupations. Nursing is a physically demanding profession and WMSDs have been considered as the leading factor for absenteeism among the nursing professionals. Hence the objective of the present research was to study prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in nurses. METHOD: 50 female nurses with a work experience of at least 2 years, having musculoskeletal pain for at least 6 months duration were selected for the study. An observational study was conducted using interview-based questionnaire. Data collected was subjected to statistical analysis. RESULT: Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in nurses was found to be 88%. Low back was found to be the commonest site of pain (70.45%), followed by the knee (56.81%), neck (47.72%), leg (25%), shoulder (6.81%) and elbow (4.54%). CONCLUSION: Study concluded that the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in nurses is high.