Musculoskeletal disorders among nurses: a case study of National Referral Hospital – in Uganda

Introduction: Musculoskeletal conditions include a wide range of inflammatory and degenerative conditions affecting the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, peripheral nerves, and supporting blood vessels. Work related musculoskeletal disorders have been described as one of the main health problems among healthcare workers. Purpose of the study was, to determine the muscular-skeletal conditions among nurses working in National Referral hospital in Uganda, in order to get information that may be used by key stakeholders in designing strategies to address this problem. Methodology: The study was carried out in Mulago National Referral Hospital among qualified nurse and midwives. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used, employing quantitative methods of data collection. Sample size of 204 (160 Nursing Officers and 44 Enrolled and Midwives) was selected using simple random sampling method. Data collected using a pretested semi-structured self-administered questionnaire and later edited and checked for completeness. Data was analyzed using SPSS and presented using text, tables, charts and graphs. Ethical issues were handled. Results: Prevalence of muscular-skeletal conditions was 701/1000 and 598/1000 for muscles and bones. A majority of respondents 56/157 (29.4%) mentioned workload as the cause of MSCs in them. Long hours of standing was mentioned by 46/157(24.2%) respondents and the least mentioned were delayed change-over of nurses from busy to light wards. The mostly mentioned measure of preventing MSCs were recruitment of more nurses /adequate staffing 110/204 (22.9%) to reduce on the work load among others. Conclusion and recommendations: Musculoskeletal disorders among nurses and midwives is a big problem which needs urgent attention by all stakeholders.