Assessment of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevalence in Urban Hospital Nurses: A Survey-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Workplace musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major occupational health concern among nurses due to high physical workload, repetitive movements, and patient-handling tasks, contributing to pain, disability, and reduced workforce sustainability. Urban hospitals face an elevated burden because of fast-paced environments and limited ergonomic resources. Objective: To determine the prevalence of WMSDs and identify associated demographic and occupational risk factors among nurses working in an urban hospital setting. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 204 full-time registered nurses at Al Razi Hospital, Lahore. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, musculoskeletal symptoms across major body regions, and perceived occupational contributors. Descriptive and inferential analyses, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, were performed to identify significant associations. Results: The overall prevalence of WMSDs was high, with lower back pain reported by 72.5%, neck pain by 61.8%, and shoulder pain by 54.9% of participants. Younger nurses and those with 1–5 years of experience demonstrated significantly higher prevalence (86.5%, p < 0.01). Lifting patients (73.5%), repetitive movements (64.7%), and prolonged standing (57.8%) were key risk factors. Conclusion: WMSDs are highly prevalent among urban hospital nurses, underscoring the need for early ergonomic training, workload modification, and targeted preventive strategies to safeguard nurse well-being and improve patient care quality.