Musculoskeletal discomforts and physical activity level in nurses

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a public health problem with significant effects on work ability. Physical activity simply means movement of body uses energy (walking, gardening, climbing, etc). Working condition of nurses may significantly contribute to these discomforts. Nursing activities involve force and awkward postures. Because of their lifestyle physical activity levels may be low in hospital working nurses. Aim of study was to investigate musculoskeletal discomforts and level of physical activity in nursing profession.
Method: An observational study was conducted among 79 hospital working female nurses aged 25-60 years using convenience sampling at general hospital. Presence of musculoskeletal discomfort was evaluated using CMDQ (Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire) and physical activity levels were evaluated using IPAQ (International physical activity questionnaire-short version).
Results: Mean +SD of Age (43.45 ±9.80) years, working years (18.50 ±9.53), median 142.5 for IPAQ score (838.83 ±389.92) and CMDQ score (16.96±26.63). 56 nurses were found to have MSDs. Upper back pain was most prevalent in (32) nurses. Level of physical activity was found to be moderate in 60 nurses and low in 19 nurses. Mean difference in MSD scores between young and middle aged nurses, U= 3.00, p<0.001. Mean difference in MSD scores between nurses having low and moderate level of physical activity was U =461, p=0.20.
Conclusion: Upper back pain is a common complaint among nurses. Physical activity levels were found to be low to moderate in nurses. MSD’s prevalence was different with age and activity level.