Health-promoting Lifestyles of Nurses and Its Association with Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a significant concern for public health, leading to temporary and permanent disability. Health care workers, including nurses, are at high risk for these disorders. This study aimed to assess the health-promoting lifestyles of nurses and their association with musculoskeletal disorders and symptoms. METHODS: This study explored health-promoting lifestyles and their association with musculoskeletal symptoms in nurses. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 300 nurses working in the teaching hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS), were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected by two questionnaires, the Health-promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP) and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). RESULTS: Study findings showed that 47% of the study participants had a moderate level lifestyle. In terms of musculoskeletal symptoms, the most prevalent were reported in the back (88.33%), knees (83.33%), and thighs (71%). Moreover, Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlations between eating habits and musculoskeletal symptoms and interpersonal relations, while a significant positive correlation was found between nutrition and stress management with musculoskeletal symptoms. CONCLUSION: Lifestyle variables are a good predictor for nurses’ musculoskeletal symptoms. Therefore, knowledge of health-promoting lifestyle behaviors and practice of these behaviors are necessary to reduce musculoskeletal disorders among nurses.