RESUMO
The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WRMSs) in different body parts for nursing assistants (NAs) working in nursing homes is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of WRMSs in nursing assistants and the factors associated with them. Four hundred and forty NAs from 52 nursing homes, recruited by convenience sampling, participated in this cross-sectional study in 2014-2015. A valid and reliable study questionnaire was used to collect data. The results of our study found that 88.4% of NAs reported at least one body part with WRMSs. These NAs reported more symptoms in the shoulders than lower back. Adverse workstyle (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01-1.08) was the only factor associated with WRMSs after adjustment for potential confounders using multivariable logistic regression. This adverse workstyle could be developed because of physical and psychological work demands. Efforts should be directed at integrating "workstyle intervention" into lifestyle physical activity training to this group of healthcare workers.
Assuntos
Instituição de Longa Permanência para Idosos/estatística & dados numéricos , Doenças Musculoesqueléticas/epidemiologia , Assistentes de Enfermagem/estatística & dados numéricos , Casas de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Doenças Profissionais/epidemiologia , Adulto , China/epidemiologia , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Humanos , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Prevalência , Fatores de Risco , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
Little is known about how nursing assistants (NAs) perceive the nature of their work and how their work contributes to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This qualitative study addressed these gaps. Twenty-four NAs with WMSDs working in four nursing homes participated in semistructured focus group interviews. Their WMSDs were not limited to the lower back but involved several body parts. The risk factors for WMSDs included physical, psychosocial, organizational, and personal factors as well as coworkers and clients. However, it is the synergistic effects of long work hours without sufficient rest, work even with musculoskeletal pain because of staff shortages, ineffective management with insufficient prework training and inadequate equipment maintenance, and an aging workforce with strong commitment to resident care that play a crucial role in WMSDs among NAs working in nursing homes. The study found that multidimensional intervention strategies using engineering, administrative, and personal controls should be developed to reduce WMSDs among NAs working in nursing homes.
Assuntos
Doenças Musculoesqueléticas/etiologia , Assistentes de Enfermagem/estatística & dados numéricos , Casas de Saúde , Traumatismos Ocupacionais/complicações , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Grupos Focais , Humanos , Entrevistas como Assunto , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Doenças Musculoesqueléticas/epidemiologia , Casas de Saúde/organização & administração , Prevalência , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Fatores de Risco , Inquéritos e Questionários , Recursos HumanosRESUMO
This article provides a brief overview of the effect of economic globalization on Asia, presents occupational health issues from select countries, and discusses challenges and opportunities for occupational health nurses.
