Abstract
Recent changes in the medical insurance system in Taiwan have placed a heavier workload upon hospital nursing staff. This extra burden may be resulting in nurses suffering from musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). The objective of this study is to compare the prevalence of MSD in different nursing divisions and to investigate the factors affecting MSD among nurses. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 243 eligible participants, and musculoskeletal disorders were assessed using a modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and physical examination by a physician. The results show that the highest prevalence of MSD is in the location of the shoulder, followed by the neck and lower back. All nurses were categorized into three groups (high, medium, and low) based on the characteristics of their occupational responsibilities and the ergonomic hazards to which they are exposed. MSD in the hip was significantly correlated with different ergonomic hazards, adjusted for covariates using the logistic regression model (OR=3.29, 95% CI = 1.61- 6.70). MSD in the locations of the elbow, wrist/hand, and upper back were significantly correlated with the ergonomic hazard of patient handling (making beds, bathing patients, adjusting patients’ resting position, etc.), but upper back disorders were not found with patient handling. Approximately 20% of nurses must take medication as a result of MSD incurred in the workplace. There is a significant association between the characteristics of workplace activities and MSD among nurses. It is recommended that the issue of nursing workload be addressed and that improvements be made in the practice of patient handling in order to reduce the risk of nurses developing MSD.
