Investigation of the prevalence, risk factors and impact of musculoskeletal disorders among nurses at Katutura Intermediate Hospital, Khomas region, Namibia
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Date
2019
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system of the human body and are common in nurses. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors and impact of musculoskeletal disorders among nurses at Katutura Intermediate Hospital (KIH) in Namibia. A cross-sectional descriptive-analytic quantitative study was performed among 197 randomly selected nurses, using self-administered Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire a as data collection tool. The Epi Info™ software version 7, IBM SPSS Statistics 25, and Microsoft Excel 2010 were used for descriptive statistical analysis.
Results indicate that the prevalence rate of MSDs over a 12 month period, in any body part was 78.2%, with low back pain (64.0%), indicated as the main body part affected. Both work and non-work related risk factors are associated with the development of MSDs (p-value <0.05), but work-related risk factors such as extensive standing (84.8%), repetitive manual tasks (81.2%), and awkward posture (76.1%) were identified as the main risk factors contributing to the development of MSDs. The impact of MSDs among nurses indicates that nurses contribute poorly to hospital’s output since they have to seek medical attention instead of attending to patients (72.1%), unnecessary money spending on medical consultations due to MSDs (66%), and difficulty sleeping (56.9%). It could be concluded that MSDs exist among nurses at KIH, and its prevalence on different human body parts differs. It further has an impact on nurses’ work and daily life. It is recommended that educational and awereness programe on MSDs to be introduced, and sustained with the aim of increasing knowledge about MSDs prevention, including the prevention of exposure to work-related risk factors. Proper staffing and resting time be maintained to prevent understaffing and overworking that might expose nurses to work-related risk factors contributing to the development of MSDs.
Description
Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Public Health
Keywords
Musculoskeletal, Disorders