PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG NURSES AND PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN DOUALA: A DESCRIPTIVE CROSSSECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are conditions in which
the work environment and performance of work contribute significantly to the condition
and/orthe condition is made worse or persists longer due to work conditions. They are a major
problem among Nurses and Physiotherapists (PTs). Although there is evidence that many Nurses
and PTs suffer from WRMSDs, there is no sufficient data on its prevalence and risk factors in
Cameroon.
Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of WRMSDs among Nurses and PTs in
four 4th category hospitals in Douala from the 21st of January to the 21st of February 2020.
Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in four 4th category health
structures in Douala from the 21st January to 21st February 2020. A total of 150 questionnaires
were distributed to PTs and Nurses who gave their concents to partcipate in the study, 121
returned, giving a response rate of 80.67%. 98 Nurses and 23 PTs (total 121) consented to
participate in the study. Data on demographic characteristics, some physical parameters and risk
factors were collected using a structured questionnairewhile the modified Nordic questionnaire
was used to collect data on the prevalence of WRMSDs. The data collected was analyzed using
Epi info version 7.2.3.1, MS Excel.
Results: The prevalence of WRMSDs among Nurses and PTs was 77.89% and 78.26%
respectively, repetitive task (88%) was the major risk factors for Nurses and manual therapy
(96%) for PTs. The lower back (57% and 61% ), neck (48% and 61), wrist (34% and 57%),
shoulder (32% and 57%), and elbow (31% and 57%) were the most affected body parts and the
least was the ankle (20% and 35%) for Nurses and PTs respectively.
Conclusion: The prevalence of WRMSDs was relatively high among Nurses and
Physiotherapists practicing in Douala, Cameroon and there is a need to step up preventive
strategies and increase awareness on occupational safety.