The prevalence and work-related factor neck and shoulder pain among critical care nursing personnel in Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok

Abstract

This study was a cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires to investigate the prevalence rate of work-related neck and shoulder pain and to determine factors affecting neck and shoulder pain in critical care nursing personnel at Ramathibodi hospital in Thailand. It was conducted among 205 full-time nursing personnel during 15 May to December 2009. The RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) was introduced to describe the working posture. Chi-square test is used to determine difference between the study groups of variables. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data such as percentage, mean, standard deviation (SD). Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were used to determine the relationship between independent variables and neck and shoulder pain. The results indicated that the prevalence of work related neck and shoulder pain among critical care nursing personnel was 69.4%, followed by low back pain (57.50%) and upper back pain (57%). The significantly associated factors with neck and shoulder pain were working hours per day greater than 8 (p=0.014) and high RULA score at right and left side (p=0.049). The results showed the relationship between factors and neck and shoulder pain after using a binary logistic regression model. The risk factors such as high RULA score at right and left side, more than8 hours work per day, low decision latitude, and accepting emergency patients were significantly associated with neck and shoulder pain (p=0.026, p=0.049, p=0.047, p=0.046, respectively) It was concluded that neck and shoulder pain was a common health problem among these nurses. Their physical workload, psychosocial and individual factors must be taken into account to improve the working conditions. The results of RULA and their work practices should be considered in guidelines for risk reduction strategies.