Frequency and risk factors of musculoskeletal pain in nurses at a tertiary centre in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: a cross sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundMusculoskeletal complaints are an important occupational problem; nevertheless, few studies have targeted nurses in Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among nursing personnel at a tertiary centre in Jeddah.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study was performed in which full-time registered nurses from four different departments (n = 200) were selected for analysis between September 1, 2011 and February 29, 2012. Musculoskeletal symptoms over the past year were assessed using the Nordic Standardised Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. In addition to demographic questions, the researcher evaluated employment history, physical risk factors at work, and general health status.ResultsIn this study, approximately 85% of the nurses reported experiencing at least one musculoskeletal symptom. Musculoskeletal symptoms occurred most commonly in the lower back (65.7%), ankles and feet (41.5%), and shoulders (29%). Prolonged working hours and being underweight were significantly associated with the development of these symptoms (OR 3.66, 95% CI 1.24-10.79, P = 0.018, and OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.37-5.93, P = 0.004, respectively). Working in the surgical department was a greater risk factor for low back pain compared with working in other departments.ConclusionsWMSDs are common among our nurses, and back pain is the most common symptom. As prolonged working hours and being underweight were factors that contributed most to WMSDs, decreasing shift durations or offering nutrition educational programmes may be suitable solutions. However, further studies are required to examine the best modality for decreasing the occurrence of WMSDs.

Evaluation of the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in nurses: A systematic review

“…A research has confirmed a strong relationship between being overweight and work related MSDs; however, this study showed that being underweight has a important connection with work related MSDs. Being underweight was also a major risk factor (OR 2.66, P = 0.004) [24].…”

Prevalence of low back pain among female nurses working in secondary and tertiary healthcare, kingdom of Bahrain

“…[12] Fewer studies were published from Gulf countries; however, in Saudi Arabia, LBP among nurses ranged between 48% and up to 85%. [6,13,14] In 2015, at Hamad General Hospital in Doha, a study was conducted on 254 nurses from different departments, and it concluded that the prevalence of LBP was high among them. [9] Many researches have been conducted around the world to determine the association between the different variables and the possibility of developing LBP.…”

“…Hence, it is considered an occupational hazard. [6,7] In respect to the prevalence of LBP, a previously conducted study in Iran revealed that LBP is one of the most important medical issues among healthcare workers. [8] A 12-month study conducted in more developed countries; England, Australia, France, Italy, and the United States in the year of 2015 reported that the prevalence is estimated to be ranged from 29% to 60%.…”

“…[16] Because of the fact that nurses play an important role in the workplace and that they constitute approximately one-third of the working force at any hospital, LBP is believed to have a substantial impact on their attendance and work restrictions. [6] As a fallout to the rapidly increasing prevalence of LBP among nurses, the nurses themselves are becoming more worried that their LBP condition may affect their performances. [17] LBP is a major cause of activity limitation and absenteeism throughout the world, and therefore, imposes high economic burdens on both the individuals and government.…”

A Pre-Post Study on Efficacy of Celecoxib and Ibuprofen for Acute Low Back Pain among Orthopaedic Patients at Security Forces Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

“…[7] Most of the published research from KSA was on evaluating the effects of NSAIDs among categorized patient groups such as nurses, school workers, dental professions, and surgical room staff. [8][9][10][11] Celecoxib was the first NSAID designed to alleviate acute pain by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme COX 2 responsible for pathogenesis of pain. Ibuprofen is the NSAID which is commonly used instead of Celecoxib for emergency treatment of ALBP among orthopaedic patients.…”