Musculoskeletal disorders caused by the work of nurses at the primary level of health care

Abstract

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are the most common work-related illnesses and describe a wide range of degenerative and inflammatory conditions affecting peripheral nerves, blood vessels, bones,
joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. WRMSDs are one of the most common causes of absenteeism among nurses. Studies also indicate that as many as 87.8% of nurses in Europe have reported WRMSDs.

Methods: The study involved 94 nurses and technicians of both genders who were involved in the daily provision of health services to patients. The study was conducted at the Public Institution of the Sarajevo Canton Health Center,
the largest primary health care institution in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which, in addition to primary care, also provides specialist and consultative services. The study was designed as a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study that included all respondents who met the inclusion criteria. The instruments used in the study were the standardized Dutch musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire, modified for our research, and the standardized work ability index (WAI) questionnaire.

Results: The highest frequency of WRMSDs in nurses was in the neck area (79.8%), followed by the upper back (71.3%), and, in third place, the lower back (64.9%). The average value of the WAI in the sample was 34.83 ± 8.35, with a median of 36.5.

Conclusion: The results of our study indicate that the average value of the WAI in the examined sample was in the “good” category. Although the work ability of most respondents was assessed as satisfactory, there is also a group of
respondents with moderate and poor work ability, which indicates a risk of further impairment of work functionality. The findings point to the need to include the examined group in a structured ergonomic intervention program aimed at preserving and improving work ability and preventing its further decline.