Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among registered general nurses: a case of a large central hospital in Harare, Zimbabwe.

ABSTRACT: Worldwide, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a common cause of morbidity affecting occupational individuals such as health-care professionals. However, nothing is known about WMSDs in hospital nurses in Zimbabwe. This study was conducted to provide cross-sectional evidence of the 12-month prevalence, consequences and factors associated with WMSDs among 208 nurses at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals (PGH).The response rate for the study was 55.7%. The median age for the participants was 32.0 years (interquartile range?=?29-36 years). The lifetime prevalence of WMSDs in nurses was 95.7% (n?=?112). The first episodes were experienced in the first 5 years of working (n?=?59, 52.7%). However, 82.1% (n?=?96) nurses experienced WMSDs in the last 12 months. Low back pain was the most common WMSDs reported (n?=?55, 67.9%). WMSDs were significantly associated with qualification attained, postgraduate ergonomic training and working experience. Overall, 87.5% (n?=?84) nurses experienced at least one of the consequences of WMSDs. Cognisant of the limitations of the study, the present study found that WMSDs are a common occurrence among nurses at PGH. This creates a need for prompt hospital education programs aimed at raising awareness among nurses on the existence of WMSDs and the consequences at PGH.

SUBMITTER: Chiwaridzo M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5960155 | biostudies-other | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other