Pattern of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among Nigerian Hospital workers

Abstract

Olusola Ayanniyi, Oluwasegun Sunday Nudamajo, Chidozie Emmanuel Mbada

Background and objectives: Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) are recognized as leading causes of significant human suffering and loss of productivity. This study investigated the pattern of WRMSDs among hospital workers in Osun State, South-West, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 769 hospital workers participated in this descriptive study, yielding a response rate of 75.8%. However, only 742 questionnaires were found valid and used in the final analysis. The survey tool used in this study was a combination of the Nordic Questionnaire and a self-developed occupational health proforma. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean, percentage and frequency. Results: Working in erect standing posture (37.3%) and in bending position for 3 to 4 hours (40.7%) were mostly common among the hospital workers. Pattern of time spent working at a stretch and work breaks durations vary across different postures. Irrespective of work postures, work break time was often less than 30 minutes. The low back (61.1%) was the worst hit anatomical region, followed by neck (43.4%), shoulder (32.1%), and upper back (31.5%), while the elbow (12.7%) was the least affect body site. The 12-months WRMSDs prevalence, 12-months and 7 days activity limitation for low back disorder was 61.1%, 18.6% and 17.3% respectively. Nursing profession recorded a higher percentage of WRMSDs, in all the nine anatomically defined body part, followed by administrative officers and laboratory scientists. Conclusion: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders affects all sectors of hospital workforce with spinal related disorders being predominant. The pattern of WRMSDs and its associated activity limitation differs across vocational and professional groups with higher predilection among nursing professionals, followed by administrative officers and laboratory scientists. The low back was most injured anatomical site across vocational and professional groups.