Affiliations: [a] Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong | [b] Industrial Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0072, USA | [c] Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Simon S. Yeung, Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong. Fax: +852 2330 8656; E-mail: simon.yeung@polyu.edu.hk
Abstract: This study aims to investigate how different prevalence selection criteria affect the prevalence rates of musculoskeletal symptoms in single and multiple body regions among female nurses working in a hospital setting in the Hong Kong area. Results showed that the 12-month prevalence rate for each body region was consistently higher than the 1-month prevalence rate. The 1-month prevalence rate for lower back was 59%, and 30–39% for lower extremity, upper back and neck, and the corresponding values for 12-month prevalence rates were 98% for lower back, and 89–91% for lower extremity, upper back, and neck. A similar trend was recorded for the 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder cases (MSD) (a case was defined as a reported symptom by the study participant, which is characterized by high frequency and/or intensity symptom) in the lower back (42%), knees/lower legs (30%), upper back (23%), hips – thigh (21%), and shoulders (21%). The 12-month MSD prevalence rates for lower back and one other body region ranged from 6% to 17%. The prevalence of MSD in the lower back – knees – and hips or ankles ranged from 11% to 12%. In addition, MSD cases in the lower back regions were significantly associated with those in the upper back, hip, knee, and hand regions. It is concluded that musculoskeletal symptoms are prevalent in single and multiple body regions, and symptoms originating from one body region may be associated with those in other body regions. A holistic approach in the evaluation and prevention of musculoskeletal problems for high-risk occupations is needed.
Keywords: musculoskeletal symptoms, low back symptoms, prevalence, nursing
