Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Nurses at the Ho Teaching Hospital, Ghana

Abstract

Nurses are at an increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) especially in developing countries, where the use of assistive technology to minimize the adverse effects of manual handling and poor patient lifting are lacking. A cross-sectional study design was used to evaluate the prevalence of WRMSDs among nurses at the Ho Teaching Hospital in Ghana using the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. Results indicated a 94% prevalence of WRMSDs, with a significantly higher (p=0.031) prevalence in females (97%) than males (87%). Age and working hours were significantly associated with MSDs (p=0.048, p=0.001, respectively). The most prevalent WRMSDs by body region were low back pain (73.3%), upper back pain (55.7%), ankle/feet pain (55.0%), and neck pain (35.5%). A high prevalence of WRMSDs exist among nurses at the Ho Teaching Hospital. A detailed assessment of ergonomic exposures among nurses in Ho is warranted to better understand the causes of WRMSDs among this population.