Popis: |
In 2014 a CROWN (Croatia, Workability, Nurses) study was conducted among Croatian nurses employed in clinical hospitals to determine general health status, physical and psychosocial health of nurses, prevalence and distribution of hand eczema and musculoskeletal symptoms, and their influence on daily functioning. We present the data for musculoskeletal complaints and daily functioning for nurses employed in child and adult care. A Nordic standardised questionnaire for evaluation of musculoskeletal complaints accompanied with Lickert scale for self- evaluation of complaints and a Disability of arm, shoulder and hands (DASH) questionnaire for daily functioning, were used for this part of research in 115 nurses from three large clinical hospitals for children and two large clinical centres for adults. In both groups, the analysis of musculoskeletal pain (sites, frequency) and daily functioning were compared to the duration of work experience, the number of patients, patients’ weight and nurses’ general health. The prevalence rate of musculoskeletal complaints among our cohorts of nurses was 95% in childcare, and 98, 6% in adult care. Lower back pain and neck pain were the most frequent complaints in both groups. The lower back pain had the strongest influence on daily functioning. The prevalence rate for musculoskeletal complaints in this study was very high, higher than reported in similar other studies. That has confirmed the great need for analysing reasons for such a high prevalence of complaints and taking actions which will reduce their contributing factors and influence on daily functioning. Although the nurses are highly aware of this problem, a need exists for formal training in ergonomics, maintenance of adequate posture, and taking micro-breaks in reducing WRMDs. |