Disclosing Strain: How Psychosocial Risk Factors Influence Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Healthcare...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Psychosocial Factors
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Nurses face daily work routines impacting emotional well-being and increasing vulnerability to psychosocial risks.
• Understanding the link between psychosocial factors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) is crucial for nurse health.
• Previous research highlights the toll on healthcare workers, necessitating further investigation into specific risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the influence of psychosocial risk factors on the occurrence of WRMDs among nurses.
• To investigate the role of age in WRMDs and the perception of psychosocial risk factors.
• To compare psychosocial risk factors pre-pandemic and during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 456 nurses from Portuguese public and private hospitals.
• Data collected during pre-pandemic and pandemic periods using the INSAT-Health and Work Survey.
• Analysis focused on psychosocial risk factors, WRMDs, and the influence of age.

Main Results:

• A significant consistency was observed between psychosocial risk factors and the occurrence of WRMDs.
• High exposure to psychosocial risk factors like work pace, intensity, work relationships, and emotional demands was noted.
• Specific psychosocial risk factors shifted: demanding pace and emotional demands pre-pandemic, versus work relationships and ethical conflicts during the pandemic.

Conclusions:

• Psychosocial risk factors are strongly associated with WRMDs in nurses.
• The nature of prevalent psychosocial risks evolved between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods.
• Continued research is essential to understand these links and promote nurse well-being.