Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and work ability among hospital nurses

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the association between work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and work ability among nurses in South-west Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 135 nurses (126 females and 9 males) in tertiary, secondary, and private hospitals in Lagos state using 2 validated standard self-administered questionnaires. The instruments captured information on personal characteristics, and reported on WMSDs and work ability using the Modified Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Work Ability Index (WAI). RESULTS: The point and 12-month prevalence of WMSDs was 95 (70.4%) and 81 (60%) among respondents, respectively. Lower back pain (35, (43.2%) was the most common work-related musculoskeletal disorder. Approximately half of the respondents (64 (47.4%) reported good work ability, and 125 (92.6%) reported that work ability was physically and psychologically demanding. The results showed a significant association between sex (p = 0.047) work status (p = 0.020) and work ability. There was no significant association between the 12-month prevalence of WMSDs and work ability of nurses in Lagos state (p = 0.406). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated good work ability, but a high prevalence of WMSDs among nurses in Lagos state. The job risk factors mostly reported by nurses were working in awkward and cramped positions. Furthermore, the work ability of nurses in Lagos state had no influence on the prevalence of WMSDs.