Analysis of Musculoskeletal Disorders amongst Nurses: a case study of Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

the MSDs according to frequently incurred MSDs. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was performed to analyze MSDs among nurses at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather information from 314 randomly selected nurses working at KNH, Kenya’s largest hospital, out of which the response rate was 78%. Information on the nurses’ demographics and employment characteristics was collected and analyzed to establish risk factors. Ergonomic issues perceived by the nurses as factors causing MSDs were also examined. Six treatments (medical, surgical, paediatrics, accident and emergency, intensive care unit and clinic areas) which were chosen using a purposive sampling method were applied in the study and the highest response rate was found in the medical areas (85.3%), followed by the surgical areas (84%). The study established that the prevalence of reported incidences of MSDs among the nurses was 74.2%. The study further established that physical factors involving poor xv posture, lifting of heavy objects, and use of excessive force were the most apparent ergonomic aspects precipitating MSDs at 50% prevalence. The other ergonomic aspects identified were the structural lay out of work place (37%) and work organization (13%). The most vulnerable parts of the body were found to be the back, feet and shoulders, revealing a rate of 32.5, 21.5 and 20.4%, respectively. Further, the study found out that age in the female nurses was significant in the etiology of MSDs but independent among their male counterparts (at a CL of 95%, df of 4, χ 2=11.4 , p < 0.05 in female nurses but, χ 2 = 8.43 and p > 0.05 in male nurses). The most vulnerable age among nurses was found to be in the age bracket of 35 to 44 years. Despite their vulnerability 52% of the nurses who suffered from MSDs sought medical intervention. Age and experience was significantly related to sick leave. Based on the study findings, the suggested recommendations on measures and strategies for prevention or reduction of MSDs occurrences includes early detection of MSDs; incorporation of a comprehensive ergonomics training to improve manual handling techniques; and adaptation of the working environment.