Abstract:
Introduction: Work related musculoskeletal disorders are growing problems among nurses in many developing
countries. There is little evidence on this problem and associated factors among nurses in Ethiopia.
Objective: To assess annual prevalence of self-reported work related musculoskeletal disorders and associated
factors among nurses at Gondar town governmental health institutions.
Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June, 2013 at Gondar town.
Data were collected using structured questionnaire guided interview and taking physical measurement. Categorical
data were compared using a chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association of
variables, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to eliminate the third variables.
Result: Overall annual prevalence of self-reported work related musculoskeletal disorders was 57.1%.
Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed professional experience (AOR=2.4: 95%CI (1.41, 4.19)) and body
mass index (AOR=3.52: 95%CI (1.02, 12.04)) were significantly associated with the dependent variable.
Conclusion: Self-reported work related musculoskeletal disorders are commonly prevalent among nurses at
Gondar town with low back and knee joint affected most. Overweight and professional experiences were significantly
associated with work related musculoskeletal disorders. There is an enormous need for Nurses education on
ergonometric intervention strategies to raise awareness regarding work related musculoskeletal disorders and to
ensure that they remain healthy and safe as much as possible throughout their working life time. It is also mandatory
that nurses should be advised to visit physiotherapists when they have work related musculoskeletal disorders.
