Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences
Designation
Principal, Manipal school of Nursing, MCON, MAHE
Abstract
Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the injuries that have an effect on the movement of the body or its system like muscles, tendons, nerves, discs, ligaments etc.
Materials and methods: The study aimed to assess the musculoskeletal disorders, identify the contributing factors and association between musculoskeletal disorders and the selected variables among student nurses. Tools used were, demographic profile, contributing factors and musculoskeletal disorders assessment tool. The questionnaire was shared via email to reach the targeted population. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage and chi- square.
Results: Area of pain and discomfort during last 12 months, about 26.2% reported pain in lower back region, 20.4% shoulders region, about 15.4% neck region and 13.5% upper back region. There was a statistically significant association between pain and discomfort in neck and upper back region during last 7 days with long time sitting and standing. Long time sitting and standing, improper body mechanics were the main contributing factors.
Conclusion: Most of the student’s experienced musculoskeletal pain and discomfort during the last 12 months in the lower back region, and some of them were not practicing proper body mechanics while handing the patients during their clinical posting.
Key words: Musculoskeletal disorders, contributing factors, nursing students