264730 A comparative study of musculoskeletal discomfort and psychosocial burden among foreign and domestic nursing attendants in Taiwan

Monday, October 29, 2012

Yu-Ching Huang, MS , Division of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
Pei-Chun Lin, MS , Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation, Tri-Service General Hospital Taipei Clinic Center, Taipei City, Taiwan
Ku-Chou Chang, MD , Division of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
Man-Chun Chou, MS , Department of Nursing, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
Hsuei-Chen Lee, PhD , Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
Background and Objective: Nursing attendants (NA) are at risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and psychosocial burden. This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors related to MSD and psychosocial burden for foreign NA (FNA) and domestic NA (DNA) in Taiwan.

Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study recruited family FNA and hospital affiliated DNA after informed consents. Variables were collected and compared between FNA and DNA including: 1) Demographics, 2) Physical fitness, 3) Knowledge of transfer skills (0-10, 10=excellent), 4) Frequencies of tasks and activities, 5) Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), 6) Caregiver Strain Index (CSI 0-13, normal< 7), 7) Cervical and lumbar spine image, and 8) urine 17-hydroxycorticosteroid (17-OHCS).

Results: The study enrolled 85 FNA and 65 DNA with mean age 31.4 and 51.4 years. MSD was prevalent in 70.6% FNA and 83.1% DNA, frequently on neck (40-52%), low back (37-48%), and shoulder (35-55%). FNA performed better than DNA in BMI, grip strength, and flexibility. Both groups had worse abdominal/back muscular endurance compared to age-matched norms. FNA showed higher work loading but inadequate knowledge of body mechanics. Among 39 FNA and 50 DNA undertaking X-ray examinations, C-spine abnormality was 35.9% vs. 82.0% while L-spine abnormality was 51.3% vs. 84.0%. C/ L spine lesions were positively correlated to MSD. CSI was 6.0 vs. 4.4 and abnormal 17-OHCS was found in 59.6% vs. 43.4% of FNA and DNA respectively.

Conclusions: The prevalence of MSD in NA was high. Intervention on fitness training and education of transfer skills might ameliorate MSD risk for NAs.

Learning Areas:
Occupational health and safety
Public health or related organizational policy, standards, or other guidelines

Learning Objectives:
To compare the prevalence and risk factors related to musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial burden for foreign nursing attendants and domestic nursing attendants in Taiwan.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the research coordinator for this study which was conducted in the Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Among my scientific interests has been the development of strategies for assisting the stroke survivors and their caregivers to promote functional independence and quality of life.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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