Original scientific paper
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Croatian Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study
Marina Milaković
orcid.org/0009-0009-8267-6525
; Division of Occupational Health Croatian Institute of Public Health Radoslav Cimerman 64a Zagreb, Croatia
*
Helena Koren
; Division of Occupational Health Croatian Institute of Public Health Radoslav Cimerman 64a Zagreb, Croatia
Katarina Zahariev Vukšinić
; Division of Occupational Health Croatian Institute of Public Health Radoslav Cimerman 64a Zagreb, Croatia
Marija Bubaš
; Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are the most prevalent group of health disorders related to work and working conditions, affecting more than half of all European workers. Nursing has previously been identifi ed as an occupation with a high risk of developing WRMSDs, in which occupational physical static and dynamic strains seem to play a role. Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of WRMSDrelated pain and common occupational physical strains associated with nursing, as well as examine their association with various occupational factors. Methods: A self-report-based questionnaire was constructed and self-administered by hospital nurses in Croatian hospitals/hospital centers. Results: A total of 116 nurses participated in this study. The results indicate a very high prevalence of WRMSD-related pain as well as static and dynamic loading among hospital nursing staff. Low back (87.93%), neck (84.48%) and shoulder (81.89%) pain were the most prevalent. Statistical analysis revealed strong associations of wrist/hand pain with applying manual force while performing tasks and assuming working in awkward/forced postures of the wrist and the f i ngers; association of low back pain with general force, and an association of ankle/foot pain with age and years of employment. Conclusion: Our study confi rmed some of the results of previous studies, suggesting a multifactorial etiology of WRMSD-related pain in hospital nursing staff, in which individual and occupational factors seem to play a role.
Keywords
musculoskeletal disorder; pain; workplace; physical work
Hrčak ID:
334378
URI
Publication date:
2.6.2024.
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