Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and its Association with Perceived Stress Among Undergraduate Nursing Students in Nigeria.

Abstract:

Background: Pain and impediments to the activities of daily living are common symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) that individual’s experiences from work related activities. The occurrence of musculoskeletal disorder (MSDs) triggers the body system and there is an heighten perception of stress which could be associated with the musculoskeletal disorders or other psychosocial factors. Aim: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), level of perceived stress and investigate the association between work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and perceived stress. Method: A cross-sectional study design was employed. And participants for the study were recruited using a consecutive sampling technique, with criterions for the study such as; 200-500 level undergraduate nursing students. Participants were required to complete questionnaires assessing the work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) prevalence and perceived stress. Questionnaire were distributed by hand and collected via the same means with assistance from level representatives. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS software, version 27.0. Chi square test was used to determine the association between work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and Perceived Stress among undergraduate clinical nursing students while descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data. Results: A high proportion of undergraduate nursing students reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) at least in one body region, lower back being the most affected area. With a 12-month prevalence of 95.8%. A moderate level of perceived stress (74.1%, n=160) was most reported in the study population. There is a significant association with Shoulder MSD (X2 = 4.473, p = 0 .037), Upper Back (X2 = 5.066, p = 0.036) and Lower Back MSD (X2 = 6.127, p = 0.018), Hip/Thighs MSD (X2 = 5.995, p = 0.021). The other body regions (Neck, Elbow, Wrist/Hand, Knees, Ankles) were not statistically significant when associated with perceived stress across the study population. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of MSDs (95.8%) among undergraduate nursing students. 30.5%, 25%, 16.2%, 24.1% of undergraduate nursing students at 500, 400, 300, 200 levels reported having musculoskeletal complaints respectively in that order. Despite the high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), the study found significant association with perceived stress.