Published Paper Details:

Nursing, a profession that is globally dominated by women, encompasses the promotion of health, prevention of illness, care of physically ill, mentally ill, and disabled people of all ages, in all health care and other community settings. Very few Indian studies have concentrated on this aspect of the nursing profession. The main aim of this study is to probe the prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Discomfort among nurses. Based on primary data, a systematic exploratory study was conducted. Results revealed that the nurses experience pain in at least one part of their body over the past 12 months. Chi-Square analysis revealed Lower Back, Forearm (right), Wrist (Right), Thigh (right) and Lower Leg (Right and Left) as the significantly affected pain areas (p<0.05). The most stressful patient-handling tasks are reported as bathing patients in bed, transporting patient off unit, transferring the patient from bed to toilet, helping patient sit up and lifting patient from floor (p<0.05). As an outcome of the study that was conducted, it was suggested that Education, Awareness and Training programs on prevention and coping strategies for Musculoskeletal disorders should be made mandatory for all healthcare professionals. This will be of prime importance to ensure their good health and also to promote ef?ciency in patient care.