Reporting of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Factors Among Nursing Assistants in Long-Term Care Facilities in South Korea

Abstract

Background Nursing assistants are at increased risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs), and reporting of injuries and symptoms can be affected by various factors. The purpose of this study is to describe the characteristic of WRMSD reporting and identify associated factors among nursing assistants in long-term care settings in South Korea. Methods This study analyzed cross-sectional survey data from 200 nursing assistants in 19 long-term care facilities in Korea. Multivariable analyses were conducted to examine the association between WRMSD reporting and demographic and job characteristics, physical and psychosocial work factors, WRMSD characteristics, and WRMSD reporting attitudes. Results Of the participants, 53% had WRMSD in the past 12 months and only 13.5% of those with WRMSD notified it to their management. Reporting of WRMSDs was more prevalent in nursing assistants who perceived worker safety and health a priority in their management (adjusted OR [aOR] = 4.54; 95% Confidence interval [CI] = 1.54 − 13.36) and witnessed injury reporting of others (aOR = 4.55; 95% CI = 1.15–17.9). Conversely, nursing assistants with negative attitudes toward WRMSD reporting (aOR = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.3–0.81) and those who changed job or tasks due to their symptoms (aOR = 0.24; 95% CI = 0.07–0.76) were less likely to report their WRMSDs to managers. Conclusions Underreporting of WRMSDs is prevalent among nursing assistants. This study findings suggest that underreporting may be mitigated by good workplace safety climate. Open communication among coworkers and between management and workers are needed, especially for workers with negative reporting attitudes.