Investigating the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Nursing Technicians in Hafr Al-Batin: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a significant concern among healthcare professionals, particularly nursing technicians who perform physically demanding tasks. This cross-sectional survey study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of WMSDs among nursing technicians in Hafr Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia. A total of 250 nursing technicians were recruited using convenience sampling from various healthcare facilities. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire that included items on socio-demographic characteristics, work-related factors, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The 12-month prevalence of WMSDs was 78.4%, with the lower back (52.8%), neck (48.0%), and shoulders (44.8%) being the most affected body regions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender (OR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.28-4.27), working more than 40 hours per week (OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.05-3.40), and high physical workload (OR = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.42-4.80) were significant risk factors for WMSDs. The findings highlight the high prevalence of WMSDs among nursing technicians in Hafr Al-Batin and underscore the need for interventions to reduce the risk of these disorders, such as ergonomic training, workload management, and workplace modifications.