Affiliations: [a]
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| [b] Physician, Royal Rehabilitation Centre, King Hussein Centre, Amman, Jordan
| [c]
Department of Allied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| [d]
Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The Hashemite University, Alzarqa, Jordan
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Dr. Khader Almhdawi, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, PO Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan. Tel.: +962 27201000 26939; Fax: +962 27201087; E-mail: [email protected]; ORCID: 0000-0001-8906-6994.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent a significant health challenge facing nurses. However, very few studies investigated the prevalence of WMSDs among nurses and their predictors comprehensively using a valid and reliable set of standardized outcome measures. OBJECTIVE:This study aimed to investigate the prevalence WMSDs of upper quadrants and their predictors among registered nurses in Jordanian hospitals. METHODS:A cross-sectional study recruited 597 registered nurses from different hospitals in Jordan. A self-administered survey distributed in targeted hospitals wards. Outcome measures included Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), sociodemographic data, and manual handling and work habits. Prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints was reported using descriptive analysis. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of WMSDs at each upper quadrant body site. RESULTS:Twelve-month WMSDs prevalence was the highest at the neck (61.1%), followed by the upper back (47.2%), shoulders (46.7%), wrist and hands (27.3%), and finally at the elbow (13.9%). Being a female, poor sleep quality, high physical activity level, poor ergonomics, increased workload, and mental stress were significant predictors of increased upper quadrant WMSDs among nurses. CONCLUSIONS:Upper quadrant WMSDs among nurses in Jordan are highly prevalent. Identified significant predictors of these WMSDs should be given full consideration by clinicians and health policymakers. Future studies are needed to reveal the progressive nature of upper quadrant WMSDs and strategies to modify their risk factors.
