Tomasz Kuligowski, Karolina Kowalewska, Anna Skrzek, Pawel Kiper, Błażej Cieślik
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Physiotherapists and nurses play crucial roles in healthcare, often requiring them to adopt physically demanding positions. However, these positions can lead to joint stress and an increased risk of injury, as well as work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). These disorders can significantly impact the performance of their duties, which can negatively affect patient recovery.
Objective: This study assessed and compared health behaviour and work-related musculoskeletal pain among Polish physiotherapists and nurses.
Methods: The study encompassed a group of 304 participants. The methodology consisted of a survey addressing pain-related questions and the Health Behaviour Inventory (HBI). The HBI evaluates health behaviour in four categories.
Results: The average HBI score was 5.05 (±1.96) points for physiotherapists and 4.50 (±1.86) points for nurses (P = .01). When analysing the HBI components, a statistically significant difference was observed in positive mental attitude and health practices (P < .05). Regarding work-related musculoskeletal pain, 92% of nurses and 79% of physiotherapists reported experiencing pain while working (P < .01). Pain intensity, measured with the VAS, was 3.77 (±2.37) for physiotherapists and 4.73 (SD 2.04) for nurses (P < .01). Physiotherapists more often suffered from upper limb pain (57% vs 49%), while nurses experienced middle/lower back pain (82% vs 63%) and lower extremity pain (38% vs 23%) more frequently.
Conclusions: Both professional groups experience WRMSDs, with nurses suffering more regularly and severely. In contrast, physiotherapists exhibit superior health behaviour practices, potentially mitigating musculoskeletal pain. Nonetheless, the prevalence of pain related to WRMSDs remains alarmingly high in both professions.
期刊介绍:
WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation is an interdisciplinary, international journal which publishes high quality peer-reviewed manuscripts covering the entire scope of the occupation of work. The journal''s subtitle has been deliberately laid out: The first goal is the prevention of illness, injury, and disability. When this goal is not achievable, the attention focuses on assessment to design client-centered intervention, rehabilitation, treatment, or controls that use scientific evidence to support best practice.