Assessing the effectiveness of ergonomics interventions to reduce musculoskeletal disorders among nurses in surgical units in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Nurses in surgical units are particularly vulnerable to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to the physically demanding nature of their work, including repetitive tasks, prolonged standing, and awkward postures. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions in reducing MSDs among nurses in surgical units in Sri Lanka. Descriptive analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were gathered from 55 surgical unit nurses in both private and government hospitals in the Colombo South area, Sri Lanka during May and June of 2024 using a self-administered survey that was made available via Google Forms. The questionnaire covered socio-demographic data, MSDs, risk factors for MSDs, and the impact of ergonomic interventions. Statistical SPSS software tool was used to carry out both descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. The prevalence of MSDs among the surveyed nurses was alarmingly high at 90.9%, with back pain being the most prevalent (85.0%). Prolonged standing (85.6%), manual patient handling (78.5%), and inadequate rest breaks (72.3%) were identified as key risk factors. Adjustable bed/plumb heights and other ergonomic solutions have been shown to considerably reduce MSDs, including back discomfort. The biggest barriers to ergonomic procedures were a lack of management support (76.0%) and inadequate resources (68.5%). The research highlights how critical it is to put effective ergonomic treatments into practice in order to reduce the high rate of MSDs among surgical nurses in Sri Lanka. boosting management support, expanding instruction and training, boosting ergonomic tools, and promoting frequent breaks are among the recommendations. By addressing these issues with focused solutions, surgical nurses' occupational health and well-being can be significantly improved.