Prevalence and ergonomic factors of musculoskeletal disorders arising from the manual handling of patients by nurses and nursing assistants in the adult intensive care units of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are common occupational health problems among nursing personnel, particularly in intensive care units where regular patient handling is required.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and ergonomic factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) resulting from the handling of patients by nursing and nurse assistants working in the adult intensive care units of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 92 nurses and nurse assistants, with 88 valid responses (response rate 95.70%). Data were collected by using 1) a demographic questionnaire, 2) the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, 3) the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and 4) the ST-5 stress scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including the Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, Unpaired t-test, Mann–Whitney U test and Multiple logistic regression, were employed for data analysis.

Results: The prevalence of MSDs during the past 7 days and 12 months were 43.18% and 72.73%, respectively (i.e., nurses and nursing assistants). The most affected region was the
shoulders (46.59%), followed by the lower back (45.45%). The REBA indicated moderate to high risk levels of an improper working posture. Factors significantly associated with MSDs within the past 7 days (p ≤ 0.05) included marital status, high to very high stress levels and incorrect sitting-up postures of the patients. Within the past 12 months, a body mass index (BMI) greater than 24.99 kg/m² was significantly associated with MSDs.

Conclusion: Nurses and nursing assistants in intensive care units had a high prevalence of MSDs, influenced by ergonomic, physical and psychosocial factors. Implementing ergonomic interventions, training on the proper patient lifting techniques, the promotion of and use of assistive devices as well as strengthening physical and mental health programs were all essential strategies to prevent and reduce MSD-related risks.