Nursing is a high risk occupation for developing work- related musculoskeletal symptoms (Ando.S et al.,2000). Nurses are often required to lift heavy loads, work in awkward postures, and transfer patients (Brulin C et al., 1998). Thus, the profession is known to be a stressful and physically difficult job, causing it to be a high-risk job for MSDs (Trinkoff et al., 2002). During the past years, the relationship between psychosocial work environment and musculoskeletal disorders has come increasingly into focus.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among nurses was highPsychosocial risk factors such as social support and job insecurity significantly affect musculoskeletal symptoms Musculoskeletal symptoms were minimized by giving the training and knowledge on this problems. Hospital administration may promote on good ergonomic practices Support from colleagues and supervisor should be improved by peer group activities, and team building activities.

PSYCHOSOCIAL RISK FACTORS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS AMONG NURSES IN HOSPITAL SULTANAH BAHIYAH,KEDAH

Siti M.B., Huda B.Z.Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences,Universiti Putra Malaysia

RESULTRESULT

- Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among nurses was highest in the upper back (70.6%), lower back (58%), and shoulder (55.9%). This result were similar to the study done by Daraisehet.al, ** (2003) who stated that the three highest prevalence rates of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among nurses were found in the neck, shoulders and back region. (fig.1)- Most of the nurses had high decision latitude (63.6%), high job demands(57.3%), very good social support (77.6%), high job insecurity (54.5%), and high job dissatisfaction (50.3%). (fig.2)- Social support was significantly associated with neck pain. Studies on working populations reported strong associations between poor social support and risk for neck and back pain (Toomingas et.al,1997; Linton, 1990) Job insecurity was significantly associated with upper and lower back pain. This differ from the study done by Rahmat et al.,**2008 who state that there was no association between any psychosocial risk factors and low back pain.(fig.3)

Figure 1: Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among nurses Figure 2: Distribution of psychosocial risk factors among nurses

DISCUSSIONDISCUSSION

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

METHODOLOGYMETHODOLOGYOBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES

CONCLUSION

REFERENCES•Ando, S., Ono, Y., Shimaoka, M., et al. (2000) Associations of self estimated workloads with musculoskeletal symptoms among hospital nurses. Occup Environ Med; 57:211–216•Brulin, C., Gerdle, B., Granlund, B., Ho¨o¨ g, B., Knutson, A., & Sundelin, G. (1998). Physical and psychosocial workrelated risk factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms among home care personnel. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 12, 104± 110.•Lipscomb, J.A., Trinkoff, A.M., Geiger-Brown, J., Brady, B. (2002). Work schedule characteristics and reported musculoskeletal disorders of registered nurses. Scand J Work Environ Health 28:394–401.•Smith, D. R., Wang, R. S,Wei, N., Zhao, L., &. (2004). Musculoskeletal complaints and psychosocial risk factors among Chinese hospital •nurses. Occupational Medicine, 54, 579– 582•Daraiseh, N., Davis, L.S., Genaidy, A.M., Huston,R.L., Karwowski, W., Stambough, J., (2003) Musculoskeletal outcomes in multiple body regions and work effects among nurses: the effects of stressful and stimulating working conditions. Ergonomics 46 (12), 1178–1199.Halim, I., Jamsiah, M., Rahmah,M.A,Rozy, J.,Shamsul, A.S.(2008) Prevalence Of Back Pain Among Nurses Working In Government Health Clinics And Hospital In Port Dickson, Malaysia, Journal of Community Health: Volume 14 Number 2Toomingas A., Theorell, T., Miche´lsen, H., Nordemar, R. (1997) Associations between self rated psychosocial work conditions and musculoskeletal symptoms and signs. Stockholm MUSIC I Study Group. Scand J Work Environ Health;23:130–139

Figure 3: Psychosocial risk factors and MSS among nurses

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTThanks to my supervisor, Dr.Huda bt Zainuddin for her patience, knowledge and experiences that are precious and meaningful given to me in order to complete this research. A thousand of thanks to head nurses and all nurses staff in Hospital

Sultanah Bahiyah for giving their cooperation during this research.

GENERAL OBJECTIVE

To determine association between psychosocial risk factors and musculoskeletal symptoms among nurses in medical based wards and surgical based wards at Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah (HSB)

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES-To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among nurses. -To determine the psychosocial risk factors among nurses-To determine association between psychosocial risk factors (decision latitude, psychological job demand, social support, job insecurity, job dissatisfaction) and musculoskeletal symptoms among nurses