Abstract
Introduction:
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common among hospital nurses due to the physically and psychologically demanding nature of their work. Nurses frequently perform tasks such as patient lifting, prolonged standing, and adopting awkward postures, which contribute to the development of MSDs. These disorders have a significant impact on the nurses’ health, well-being, and job performance.
Aims:
The aim of this study was to explore the association between perceived work demands and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among hospital nurses in South Africa. This research contributes to the current limited body of literature on the challenges faced by the nursing population in hospitals, particularly in South Africa, where such research is especially lacking.
Method:
This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted as Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital in Pretoria, Gauteng. Nurses received an anonymous, self-administered online questionnaire via email, which included a link or QR code for easy access. Those who wished to participate clicked the link or scanned the QR code, taking them to the Question-Pro platform, where they gained access to the information letter, consent form and the questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed by combining existing literature, including Choobineh, Rajaeefard & Neghab (2006), and standardized tools such as the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Job Content Questionnaire. This was accomplished with the assistance of the Statistical Consultation Services (STATKON). The questionnaire included questions on demographic data, perceived physical and psychological work demands, and the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms. It was live from
vii
Wednesday, 17 April 2024, to Monday, 29 July 2024, receiving a total of 110 responses. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS 29.0.1, applying descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and Pearson Chi-Square tests to identify statistically significant associations between work demands and the prevalence of MSDs.
Results:
The results demonstrated a high prevalence of MSDs, with 98.2% of respondents reporting symptoms in the past 12 months and 87% experiencing symptoms in the past 7 days. The most affected body regions were the lower back (22.5%), neck (17%), and shoulders (16%). This indicates that physical strain accompanies tasks such as patient handling and adopting awkward postures. Nurses rated their physical demands as high, with 51.8% reporting intense physical exertion and 92.7% engaging in continuous rapid physical activity during their shifts. Psychological demands also showed significance, with 89.1% of nurses indicating excessive workloads, 67.3% facing conflicting job demands, and 90% reporting frequent interruptions in tasks. Interestingly, 91.2% of nurses experienced more severe musculoskeletal symptoms at the end of their shifts, indicating the cumulative strain throughout the workday. Demographic factors, such as age and body mass index (BMI), were also examined, with nurses over the age of 45 and those classified as overweight or obese showing higher rates of MSD.
Conclusion:
The findings of this study align with studies conducted internationally, showing high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among hospital nurses, particularly in physically demanding roles. However, compared to international studies, this research highlights that South African nurses face additional challenges, such as limited ergonomic interventions and high psychological demands due to
viii
understaffing and resource shortages. The results emphasize the need for a multifactor musculoskeletal health approach, including ergonomic improvements and organizational changes, which align with similar studies' recommendations.