Jana Camilla Erika P. Francisco
University of Santo Tomas, Philippines
Title: Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDS) among staff nurses and nurse educators: A comparative study
Biography
Biography: Jana Camilla Erika P. Francisco
Abstract
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are inflammatory or degenerative diseases aggravated by work and results to pain and functional impairment. It is one of the most frequent occupational health problems, and has been profound among health workers (65.4%) and educators (83.30%) causing temporary or short-term work disabilities. Nevertheless, researches comparing the prevalence and risk factors of WMSDs among staff nurses and nurse educators were limited especially in the Philippines. Hence, this study aims to compare the prevalence and risk factors of WMSDs among staff nurses and nurse educators. A descriptive-comparative research design was conducted among purposively-selected staff nurses and nurse educators from tertiary hospital and schools offering nursing program within Metro Manila respectively. After ERB approval, data was collected using the following: robotfoto, Modified Standardized Nordic Questionnaire, and Job Description Questionnaire. Gathered data was encoded and analyzed using Chi-Square Test and MANOVA. WMSDs in the upper back (56.1%), shoulders (58.6%) and elbows (67.3%) were reported to be significantly higher among nurse educators. Recognition or appraisal for good work (2.14), receiving help from co-workers (2.04), availability of equipment (1.93) and encouragement for self development (1.84) were found to be the most common psychosocial risk factors that contributed to the development of the event in this study. Between staff nurses and nurse educators, the latter reported more symptoms of WMSDs according to affected body parts. Job risk factors did not have an effect whereas; psychosocial risk factors promoted the occurrence of the condition, with staff nurses being more affected. Recognition of the principle of ergonomics, its application and importance promotes prevention of WMSDs and through this, new and alternative ways could be developed.