Risk Factors for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Intensive Care Unit Nurses in China: A Structural Equation Model Approach

Abstract

Purpose: This study explored the direct and indirect effects of risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) in nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs). Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. ICU nurses from 28 tertiary hospitals in the Hunan and Guangdong provinces participated in a survey conducted via a self-reported online questionnaire. A structural equation model was used to fit the data and to evaluate associations among WRMDs and risk factors. Results: Valid questionnaire samples were submitted by 984 ICU nurses. The prevalence of WRMDs within the previous year among ICU nurses was 96.8%. A valid structural equation model was constructed, and a good fit was shown: Chi-square value/degrees of freedom ¼ 2.248; comparative fit index ¼ .931; normal fit index ¼ .905; goodness-of-fit index ¼ .978; adjusted goodness-of-fit index ¼ .966; and root mean square error of approximation ¼ .036. All regression coefficients for direct effect reached significant levels (critical ratio > 1.96 and p < .05). In the structural equation model, the occurrence of WRMDs was directly affected by the following: physical factors, risk perception, and job stress. Physical factors and a safe environment indirectly affected WRMDs through risk perception and job stress. The strongest correlations with WRMDs were physical factors. Conclusion:The model provided a new perspective for understanding the associations among physical factors, workplace safety environment, risk perception, job stress, and WRMDs. To improve the practice setting of the ICU, efforts should be made to help prevent WRMDs from physical, psychosocial, and environmental factors.

Prevalence and factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorder among health care providers working in the operation room

“…The prevalence of MSDs has been reported from 40% to 90% among nurses around the globe which was in-line with our study the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder among operation room nurses was 79% [ 29 ].…”

Prevalence of low back pain among intensive care nurses: A meta‐analysis

“…Twenty‐seven studies 25‐51 involving a total of 6258 ICU nurses were included in this meta‐analysis. All of the studies were published between 2004 and 2020.…”

“…The median number of participants per study was 69.5 (range 3‐1345). Fourteen studies assessed for LBP using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) or its adjusted versions, 26‐30,32,34,39,40,45‐49 12 used researcher‐developed questionnaires, 25,31,33,36‐38,41‐44,50 and 1 used Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire 35 …”

“…Studies were conducted across 15 unique countries. Six took place in Iran, 28,30,32,34,40,50 4 in Turkey, 33,42,46,51 3 in China, [47][48][49] 2 in Korea, 26,37 2 in Nigeria 27,29 and 1 in each Bahrain, 44 Brazil, 43 Iraq, 41 Nepal, 25 Netherlands, 35 Poland, 45 South Africa, 31 Taiwan, 39 and United…”

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation in Guyana

“…Yang, Wang, and Zeng (2020) carried out a cross-sectional study among ICU nurses from 28 tertiary hospitals in Hunan and Guangdong provinces in China to determine the risk factors for WMSD among the nurses. A total of 984 ICU nurses completed a self-reported online questionnaire, and the prevalence of WMSD was 96.8% 52. However, working in an ICU is considered a risk factor for developing musculoskeletal complaints since the healthcare demands are high in the ICU, and nurses are required to meet these demands.…”