Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and their association with patient handling practices and repetitive movements among nurses at UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osun State, Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Nurses are routinely exposed to physical stressors such as prolonged patient handling and repetitive movements, occupational activities that have been associated with an increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The study adopted a crosssectional study design. The study’s target population consisted of all registered Nurses working at UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital in Osun State, Nigeria. The study population of 199 was obtained using convenience sampling. Findings revealed that 30.1% of nurses reported frequently lifting or manually repositioning patients. Risk assessment indicated that 57.3% of respondents were categorized as having a high risk of WMSDs-related symptoms. Regarding workplace factors, 25.1% of nurses reported that adaptive equipment was sometimes unavailable, while 26.1% indicated a lack of mechanical aids for patient handling. 27.6% agreed that patient load per shift was challenging, while 31.2% indicated that shift scheduling is an organizational factor contributing to physical strain. Inferential analysis demonstrated a statistically significant association between years of professional experience and the risk of WMSDs (χ²=14.25, df=2, P=0.001). In conclusion, the study demonstrated a high prevalence of prolonged patient handling and repetitive movements among nurses, with a high proportion exhibiting elevated rates of WMSDs. Workplace conditions, including inadequate assistive devices, limited training, and insufficient rest periods, were identified as important occupational challenges. Addressing these factors through ergonomic interventions and supportive workplace policies is essential for promoting nurses’ long-term health and occupational well-being.

Keywords: Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, Prolonged Patient Handling, Repetitive Movements, Nurses, Nursing.