Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Nursing Staff of Tanta University Hospitals: Pattern, Risk Factors, and Coping Strategies

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent a considerable occupational problem amongst nurses. Objectives: To determine the pattern, the associated job risk factors for the development of WMSDs and to identify the coping strategies for reducing the risk of WMSDs among Tanta University Hospitals` nursing staff. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the nurses at Tanta University Hospitals using a stratified random sampling method via a self-administered structured questionnaire. Results: Most of the studied nurses (92.3%) had WRMSDs in the past 12 months. The most frequently reported complaint was low back pain (56.6%), followed by neck pain in 51.5% and knee pain in 50.4% of them. The most frequently reported job risk factors were working in the same positions for long periods (90.8%), continuing to work while injured or hurt (90.7%), and bending or twisting your back in an awkward way (85.2%). Getting help in handling heavy patients (91.0%), modifying patient’s/nurse position (79.6%), and inadequate formal training on injury prevention (80.6%) were the top three coping strategies. Conclusion: Most of Tanta University Hospitals` nurses reported WMSDs at different body sites, where the low back being harmed most frequently. Training programmes on injury prevention are recommended to lower the rate of WMSDs and to encourage efficiency in patient care.