Occupational hazards facing nurses in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Nurses in the United Arab Emirates face demanding work environments that may expose them to multiple occupational risks. However, local evidence quantifying the extent of these risks and linking them to demographic and work-related factors is scarce. This study aimed to quantify nurses’ perceptions of physical, psychological, and social occupational hazards in UAE hospitals and to identify demographic and work-related factors associated with higher perceived risk. Methods: A cross-sectional survey (January–March 2019) of 250 nurses in two public hospitals employed the Work-Related Symptom Scale. Composite domain scores were generated. Independent-samples t-tests and one-way analysis of variance compared groups; multivariable linear regression identified independent predictors (probability value ≤ 0.05). Results: Among respondents (n = 250), perceived physical hazard burden was highest (mean 22.1 ± 4.6), with back pain (17.6%) and leg pain (11.6%) predominating. Psychological (11.5 ± 3.0) and social (8.9 ± 3.1) scores were lower; leading endorsed perceptions were feelings of despair (3.2%) and reduced empathy (8.8%). Working more than 40 h per week, over 15 years of experience and senior grade independently increased physical scores (β = 2.45, p = 0.03; β = 3.85, p = 0.05; β = 3.06, p = 0.01, respectively), while assignment to surgical wards was associated with lower physical scores (β=−2.92, p < 0.001). Psychological scores were higher with > 40 h/week (β = 1.92, p = 0.02) and senior rank (β = 2.38, p < 0.001); assignment to surgical wards was associated with lower psychological scores versus medical wards (β=−1.22, p = 0.01). Social scores were higher for senior nurses (β = 2.06, p = 0.02) and lower in surgical versus medical wards (β=−1.63, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Nurses in the United Arab Emirates perceive substantial burdens of musculoskeletal, psychological and social hazards. Excessive working hours, long tenure and senior rank consistently heighten perceived risk, highlighting modifiable organisational targets—such as limiting shift length and optimising staffing—to protect nurses’ health and support high-quality patient care. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.