Prevalence and Characteristics of Multisite Musculoskeletal Symptoms among District Hospital Nurses in Haiphong, Vietnam

Abstract

Background. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are commonly observed among workers around the world. These diseases not only affect the health of workers, their quality of life, and their performance, but the effects of such diseases also represent a great burden for the health and social systems. These issues are even more prevalent in developing countries, and nurses are no exception. Many studies worldwide have shown a high prevalence of work-related MSDs in each body position among nurses. However, there are very few studies that have mentioned multisite musculoskeletal symptoms (MMS). Objectives. To describe the prevalence and characteristics of MMS among district hospital nurses in Haiphong, Vietnam. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 1179 nurses working in all 15 district hospitals using the Modified Nordic Questionnaire at 9 anatomical sites on the body (neck, shoulder/upper arm, elbow/forearm, wrist/hand, upper back, lower back, hip/thigh, knee/lower leg, and ankle/foot). The following main indicators were calculated: the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (MS) (at least 1 of 9 sites), MMS (two or more sites), and widespread musculoskeletal symptoms (WMS) (MS of the upper limb, the lower limb, and the back or the neck). Results. The prevalence of MS during the past 12 months and symptoms lasting for at least 30 days was 60.6% and 17.2% in men and 77.6% and 21.5% in women, respectively. The lower back, neck, upper back, and shoulder/upper arm were the most common sites affected. In terms of MMS, the prevalence was 37.6% in men and 57.1% in women during the past 12 months while 8.6% of men and 11.3% of women reported that symptoms lasted for at least 30 days. The prevalence of MMS tended to increase with age, seniority, having a history of musculoskeletal diseases, and in nurses working in district hospitals located in urban areas. Nearly 90% of MMS concerned two or three anatomical regions during the past 12 months, and almost 80% of MMS lasting at least 30 days involved two or three anatomical regions. The prevalence of WMS was 10.4% in men and 18.6% in women during the past 12 months and 0.9% in men and 2.1% in women lasting at least 30 days. Conclusions. This study showed the high prevalence of MMS and WMS among nursing staff. Further and more extensive research is needed to improve our understanding of multisite musculoskeletal symptoms and act as the foundation for developing preventive measures for nurses.

Effectiveness of Interventions to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders among District Hospital Nurses in Vietnam

“…On the contrary, in developing countries, including Vietnam, there are few published data. Several recent studies in Vietnam showed the high prevalence of MSDs in general [ 7 ] and of multiple musculoskeletal symptoms (MMS) [ 8 ] with the abundance of risk factors in hospital nurses. Another study has shown a negative impact of MSDs at multiple sites on the quality of life of nurses [ 9 ].…”

Literature Review : Effect of Static Conditions on Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

“…Vietnamese [13] To The sample in this study were registered nurses and licensed practicing nurses at an independent and nonprofit community hospital in the northern US with a total of 397 nurses.…”

Obesity phenotypes related to musculoskeletal disorders; a cross-sectional study from RaNCD cohort

“…Most lower torso musculoskeletal disorders are overlooked, perhaps because they are not directly related to mortality and are considered an irreversible process associated with aging. Although having these disorders increases treatment costs and reduces occupational and social activities, and overall, people with musculoskeletal disorders suffer to do their daily activities [1,2]. Low back pain is the most common type of musculoskeletal disorder that people with this disease frequently refer to doctors for their treatment [3,4].…”