英文摘要 |
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in nurses.Methods: From June 2006 to December 2006 a total of 363 nurses were examined for MSDs. 236 nurses were found to have MSDs. A survey was sent out to all participants, and 198 of them have completed and returned the questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS for Windows 14.0.Result: The results showed the prevalence rate of MSDs was 65%. Of those with MSDs, 67.2% (133 nurses) had problems related to the shoulders, followed by the neck 61.6% (122 nurses) and lower back 42.9% (85 nurses). We found the odds ratio (OR) for discomfort in shoulder and hand/wrist to be 2.364 and 3.463 in nurses who perceived their workloads to be heavy or moderate. Nurses who did not exercised regularly were less likely (OR 0.24) to experience discomfort in hand/wrist than those who exercise regularly. Nurses who did not perform stretching exercise were less likely (OR 0.415) to have upper back syndrome than those who stretched regularly. Nurses working at ward units were significantly more likely (OR 1.889) to experience shoulder and neck syndrome than those working in intensive care units or operating rooms. (p<0.05)Conclusion: The prevalence rate of MSDs in nurses was high in this study, suggesting a need for the hospital to consider ergonomic issues and a need to provide assistance instruments for nurses. In order to reduce MSDs symptoms from workload and working area, it is also important to consider shift rotation. Managers in the hospitals should provide stress management programs and health promotional activities to help nurses do stretch exercises regularly. These measures may help eliminate key risk factors for MSDs in nurses and hence improve the work efficient. |