WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONGNURSESOF GOVERNMENTAL HOSPITAL IN AL-MEDINAH, SAUDI ARABIA:A CROSS-SECTIONALSTUDY

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) considered to be one of the most common public health issues these days. Studies have addressed the issue of increasing prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) pain among different occupations. However, contributing factors to MSK pain have not been fully investigated among Nurses. Thus, this study aimed to approximate the prevalence and predictors of MSK pain among the nurses working in governmental hospitals in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: cross-sectional study took place on nurses of King Salman Medical city (KSAMC). The Standardized Nordic questionnaires for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms was utilized in our study.

Results were analyzed descriptively using a Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis to estimate the odd ratio of experiencing disabling musculoskeletal symptoms.

Results:Nearly 55% of the subjects were between ages 31 and 40 and 85% of the sample comprised of females. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed being a female nursesseem to have high odds and significant association with Neck pain OR = 5.5 (2.18-13.76, p<.001)

Conclusion: Health care workers, particularly nurses, are at a heigh risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs), and therefore, it is imperative that measures are taken to manage this global issue. Occupational therapists can play an integral role in this regard.