Prevalence of, and Risk Factors for, Physical Disability among Nurses in Europe

Abstract

Aims and objectives: This study investigates possible causes of physical disability among European nurses, and deals with personal, physical and (social) work environment factors. Design: 39,898 (51.7%) nurses responded to our survey (6335 head nurses; 4933 specialized nurses; 24,142 state-registered nurses; and 4488 nursing aids). Methodology: First, the prevalence of physical disability among nurses in Europe was investigated. Second, multivariate analyses were performed to better understand the influence of possible risk factors for physical disability. A Strobe statement has been added. Results: In general, the risk of physical disability is positively associated with the amount of physical load and the nurses' dissatisfaction with this, with a lack of teamwork quality, harassment by supervisors, colleagues not (quite) ready to help, not having lifting aids, a high quantitative work demand, and having to work in split shifts. The main moderating or buffering factors addressed in this study are having a part-time job, practice of sport and/or hobbies, and the nurses' social work environment. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Today, there is a substantial shortage of nurses in Europe, and management in healthcare organizations that fails to improve physical working conditions and to provide adequate (career) support might suffer from, will experience growing levels of disability and dissatisfaction among nursing staff that might result in premature leave, reduced productivity or higher absenteeism.

The association between work-related physical and psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare workers: Moderating role of fear of movement

“…Good collaboration and support at work can prevent MSDs. 2 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 A supportive environment might help with physical job demands and reduce distress by dividing the work or completing difficult tasks together. 9 Furthermore, a strong team might cope better with a suddenly increased workload (e.g., when a colleague is on sick leave).…”

“…A study in Europe showed that nurses who are dissatisfied with their physical job demands are at a higher risk of MSDs than those who are satisfied. 8 The lack of ergonomic devices to assist with physical job demands has been linked to MSDs as well. 8 , 9 Another study reported that nurses who participate in regular recreational physical activity are at low risk of MSDs.…”

“… 8 The lack of ergonomic devices to assist with physical job demands has been linked to MSDs as well. 8 , 9 Another study reported that nurses who participate in regular recreational physical activity are at low risk of MSDs. 30 These nurses might cope better with physical work demands.…”

“… 2 , 4 These tasks have been related to MSDs in the lower back, knees, shoulders, and wrists or hands. 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 In addition, psychosocial stressors at work could be involved in the occurrence and persistence of MSDs in healthcare workers. 2 , 4 Research suggests that high demands (e.g., high workload, time pressure, mental and emotional stress), low job control, and a lack of social support are associated with pain in different regions of the body.…”

An updated review of the effect of work hours and shift work on musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in the healthcare sector

“…For example, 82% of hospital nurses in a German sample reported at least one MSD symptom as compared to 68% in the general workforce (BIBB/BAUA 2014). In view of the tight link between MSD and disability, there is growing concern of how to maintain a healthy nursing workforce, especially considering population trend projections and increasing demands for care (van der Heijden, Estryn-Béhar and Heerkens . 2019;Schmucker 2020).…”