Prevalence and associated factors of musculoskeletal pain among nurses in a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka: A cross-sectional study
By: S. Mohanarajan and C. L. Dandeniya
Abstract
Introduction: Nurses often experience work-related musculoskeletal pain. This study aims to determine the prevalence, associated factors, and severity of musculoskeletal pain among nurses working at a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. The findings will help to develop strategies to promote occupational safety among nurses.
Methodology: This descriptive, cross-sectional study, conducted over two months from the beginning of May to the end of June 2024, involved 186 registered nurses selected from 21 units using a proportionate stratified random sample at the National Hospital, Kandy, Sri Lanka. A structured, validated, self-administered questionnaire, including the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, was used. Significant associations were established using Chi-square tests, t-tests, binary logistic regression, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals, with p < 0.05 set as the level of significance.
Results: The results revealed that 87.1% of nurses experienced musculoskeletal pain, with the most prevalent sites being the lower back (74.2%) and neck (70.4%). Pain intensity was categorised as mild (22.6%), moderate (75.3%), or severe (2.2%). Significant workplace risk factors included working in the squatting or kneeling position for extended periods (OR=2.51, 95% CI: 1.17–5.39, p=0.018), and slipping while carrying loads (OR=3.57, 95% CI: 1.48–8.59, p=0.005). Morning fatigue was also identified as a significant impact of MSP, while job satisfaction demonstrated no association with MSP.
Conclusion: Musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent among the nurses studied, adversely affecting both their work performance and quality of life. The identified risk factors can be modified through the implementation of standard ergonomic adjustments and workplace adaptations. The generalisability of the findings to the nursing workforce of Sri Lanka requires further investigation through larger, multi-centre studies at the national level.
Methodology: This descriptive, cross-sectional study, conducted over two months from the beginning of May to the end of June 2024, involved 186 registered nurses selected from 21 units using a proportionate stratified random sample at the National Hospital, Kandy, Sri Lanka. A structured, validated, self-administered questionnaire, including the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, was used. Significant associations were established using Chi-square tests, t-tests, binary logistic regression, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals, with p < 0.05 set as the level of significance.
Results: The results revealed that 87.1% of nurses experienced musculoskeletal pain, with the most prevalent sites being the lower back (74.2%) and neck (70.4%). Pain intensity was categorised as mild (22.6%), moderate (75.3%), or severe (2.2%). Significant workplace risk factors included working in the squatting or kneeling position for extended periods (OR=2.51, 95% CI: 1.17–5.39, p=0.018), and slipping while carrying loads (OR=3.57, 95% CI: 1.48–8.59, p=0.005). Morning fatigue was also identified as a significant impact of MSP, while job satisfaction demonstrated no association with MSP.
Conclusion: Musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent among the nurses studied, adversely affecting both their work performance and quality of life. The identified risk factors can be modified through the implementation of standard ergonomic adjustments and workplace adaptations. The generalisability of the findings to the nursing workforce of Sri Lanka requires further investigation through larger, multi-centre studies at the national level.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4038/jccp.v57i1.8199 | Journal eISSN: 2448-9514
Language: English
Page range: 25 - 30
Published on: Jul 16, 2026
Published by: Ceylon College of Physicians
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services
© 2026 S. Mohanarajan, C. L. Dandeniya, published by Ceylon College of Physicians
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.