Musculoskeletal disorders among nurses compared with two other occupational groups

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Epidemiology
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Nurses experience high rates of low back pain (LBP).
• Limited longitudinal research exists on other musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in nurses.
• This study investigates MSDs across multiple anatomical sites in New Zealand nurses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the cumulative incidence and persistence of MSDs in New Zealand nurses.
• To assess the impact of MSDs on work attendance, duties, and functional tasks.
• To compare MSD prevalence in nurses with postal and office workers.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal postal survey design was employed.
• Participants completed baseline and 1-year follow-up questionnaires.
• Data collected included MSDs in the past 1 and 12 months and work/functional task limitations.

Main Results:

• The low back showed the highest cumulative incidence and prevalence of persistent/recurrent MSDs among nurses.
• Work-disabling LBP was more common in nurses and postal workers than office workers.
• Nurses reported significant prevalence of work-disabling shoulder pain (10%) and functional-task-disabling knee (19%) and wrist/hand pain (16%).

Conclusions:

• Low back pain remains a significant issue for nurses.
• Shoulder, wrist/hand, and knee pain also substantially impact nurses' work and function.
• Prevention efforts for nurses should encompass MSDs at multiple anatomical sites, not solely the low back.