Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) And Their Coping Strategies Among Nurses of Services Hospital Lahore.

Abstract

Objective: To determine work related factors of musculoskeletal disorders, frequency of WMSDs and the use of coping strategies to prevent WMSD samong nurses working in indoor departments of Services hospital, Lahore.
Methods: Nurses from indoor departments of Services Hospital (n = 200) using non-probability convenient sampling were included in this cross-sectional study. Musculoskeletal symptoms over the past year and past week were assessed using the Nordic Standardized Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. For qualitative variables frequency, percentages were calculated and chi-square test was applied to see the significant difference between variables. Data was analysed using SPSS statistics V-23.
Results: One hundred ninety four (97%) of the nurses had WMSDs once or more in the last 12 months or last 7 days' time period. Frequency shows that WMSDs occurred mostly in low back (56.1%), shoulder (38.2%), and ankle 34.4%.Working in the same positions for long periods (87.3%), treating an excessive number of patients in one day (74.5%) and continuing to work while injured or hurt (64.2%) were the most perceived job risk factors for WMSDs. Getting help in handling heavy patients (80.7%) and modification of nursing procedures in order to avoid re-injury (65.1%) were the top two coping strategies.
Conclusions: One hundred ninety four (97%)of nurses had an episode of WMSD which mostly affected the low back. Two coping strategies used by majority of nurses were getting help in handling heavy patients and modification of nursing procedures. Educational programs targeted on prevention and coping strategies for musculoskeletal disorders are recommended for nurses.