Relationship between risk factors and musculoskeletal disorders in the nursing profession: A systematic review

Abstract

A systematic review of the published literature was carried out in order to identify the most important risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in the nursing profession. A standardized checklist was used in order to assess the methodological quality of the publications selected for the review. Specific criteria were established to assess the strength and consistence of evidence for potential risk factors for MSD. The results support a notion of the importance of physical work-related factors for the development of musculoskeletal problems in nursing. Lifting in awkward and forward-bent postures were especially high-risk tasks that resulted in variety of reported musculoskeletal problems. This review also revealed that psychosocial factors, especially work organization issues and "social relations at work" were strongly related to the musculoskeletal outcomes in the studied population. Such risk factors as psychological job demands and job control were also associated with musculoskeletal problems; however, the evidence concerning these factors were weak and inconsistent. Further research is needed to establish the moderating and combined effects of different risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders in the nursing profession.