Prevalence of and factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal symptoms in nursing assistants working in nursing homes

Kin Cheung, Grace Szeto, Godfrey Kin Bun Lai, Siu Yin Ching

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

32 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WRMSs) in different body parts for nursing assistants (NAs) working in nursing homes is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of WRMSs in nursing assistants and the factors associated with them. Four hundred and forty NAs from 52 nursing homes, recruited by convenience sampling, participated in this cross-sectional study in 2014–2015. A valid and reliable study questionnaire was used to collect data. The results of our study found that 88.4% of NAs reported at least one body part with WRMSs. These NAs reported more symptoms in the shoulders than lower back. Adverse workstyle (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.08) was the only factor associated with WRMSs after adjustment for potential confounders using multivariable logistic regression. This adverse workstyle could be developed because of physical and psychological work demands. Efforts should be directed at integrating “workstyle intervention” into lifestyle physical activity training to this group of healthcare workers.

Original languageEnglish
Article number265
JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume15
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Feb 2018

Keywords

  • Epidemiology
  • Intention to leave
  • Prevalence
  • Working with pain
  • Workstyle

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

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