Affiliations: [a] Department of Rehabilitation Sciences-Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan | [b] Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan | [c] Department of Rehabilitation Sciences-Physical Therapy, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan | [d] Department of Allied Medical Sciences-Paramedics, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Khader A. Almhdawi, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, PO Box 3030, Irbid, 22110, Jordan. Tel.: +962 27201000 26939; Fax: +962 27201087; E-mail: Khader@just.edu.jo.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent a significant problem for nurses. It is thus important to investigate nurses’ WMSDs prevalence and comprehensive predictors including motor, mental, and lifestyle factors. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence and predictors of lower quadrant WMSDs among Jordanian nurses. METHODS: A cross-sectional design, using self-administered questionnaires, was utilized. Outcome measures included Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), sociodemographic data, and self-reported work ergonomics. Descriptive analyses were used to determine lower quadrant WMSDs prevalence and regression analyses were used to assess their predictors. RESULTS: A total of 597 nurses participated in the study. Twelve-month prevalence of lower quadrant WMSDs were 77.4% in lower back, 22.3% in hips, 37.5% in knees, and 28.5% in ankles and feet. Older age, longer years of experience, high workload, poor work habits and ergonomics, high physical activity level, availability of patient handling equipment, handling policies, stress, and anxiety were significant predictors (p< 0.05) of lower quadrant WMSDs. CONCLUSIONS: Jordanian nurses have a high prevalence of lower quadrant WMSDs. Many modifiable risk factors of WMSDs were identified. Future studies need to design effective treatment and preventive strategies for nurses’ WMSDs to improve their work efficiency and wellbeing.
