Abstract:

The aim of this study is to determine musculoskeletal pain experienced by operating room nurses.  Methods: The descriptive study was conducted between June and October 2015 on a total of 162 nurses. The data were collected using the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Survey and an individual characteristics form. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and the Mann Whitney-U tests were used in the data analysis. RESULTS: It was determined that musculoskeletal pain in the operating room nurses participating in the study was in the back (56.8%), lower back (51.9%), and neck (49.4%) regions. Pain was also experienced in the shoulder (43.2%), foot/ankle (38.3%), and knee (31.5%) regions. It was found that 88% of the operating room nurses had back pain in the last year, 79. 3% in the last month, and 57.6% in the last week. Musculoskeletal system pain was found to be more frequent in nurses who were younger and in those working longer weekly hours in the operating room (p<0.01). The musculoskeletal pain most frequently experienced in the operating room nurses was found in the back, lower back, and neck regions respectively. It is recommended that institutions identify the musculoskeletal problems of employees as well as establish and implement institutional policies to prevent the causes of such pain.

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