Abstract:
the MSDs according to
frequently incurred MSDs.
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was performed to analyze MSDs among
nurses at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). A self-administered questionnaire was
used to gather information from 314 randomly selected nurses working at KNH,
Kenya’s largest hospital, out of which the response rate was 78%. Information on the
nurses’ demographics and employment characteristics was collected and analyzed to
establish risk factors. Ergonomic issues perceived by the nurses as factors causing MSDs
were also examined. Six treatments (medical, surgical, paediatrics, accident and
emergency, intensive care unit and clinic areas) which were chosen using a purposive
sampling method were applied in the study and the highest response rate was found in
the medical areas (85.3%), followed by the surgical areas (84%).
The study established that the prevalence of reported incidences of MSDs among the
nurses was 74.2%. The study further established that physical factors involving poor
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posture, lifting of heavy objects, and use of excessive force were the most apparent
ergonomic aspects precipitating MSDs at 50% prevalence. The other ergonomic aspects
identified were the structural lay out of work place (37%) and work organization (13%).
The most vulnerable parts of the body were found to be the back, feet and shoulders,
revealing a rate of 32.5, 21.5 and 20.4%, respectively. Further, the study found out that
age in the female nurses was significant in the etiology of MSDs but independent among
their male counterparts (at a CL of 95%, df of 4, χ 2=11.4 , p < 0.05 in female nurses but,
χ 2 = 8.43 and p > 0.05 in male nurses). The most vulnerable age among nurses was
found to be in the age bracket of 35 to 44 years. Despite their vulnerability 52% of the
nurses who suffered from MSDs sought medical intervention. Age and experience was
significantly related to sick leave. Based on the study findings, the suggested
recommendations on measures and strategies for prevention or reduction of MSDs
occurrences includes early detection of MSDs; incorporation of a comprehensive
ergonomics training to improve manual handling techniques; and adaptation of the
working environment.
