Nancy M Daraiseh BS Electrical Engineering – Jordan University of Science & Technology MS Industrial Engineering – Occupational Safety & Health Ergonomics – University of Cincinnati PhD candidate Industrial Engineering (since 1999) - Occupational Safety & Health Ergonomics– University of Cincinnati (with Dr Ash Genaidy)

PROTECTIVE AND RISK OUTCOMES OF WORK FACTORS UPON THE PREVALENCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS AMONG U.S. NURSING PERSONNEL

Background Work related musculoskeletal complaints affect millions of workers in the United States accounting for the majority of workers’ compensation claims. Work related musculoskeletal complaints affect millions of workers in the United States accounting for the majority of workers’ compensation claims. Healthcare workers, nursing personnel in particular, are at particularly high risk of musculoskeletal problems Healthcare workers, nursing personnel in particular, are at particularly high risk of musculoskeletal problems However, research has primarily focused on the back region while there is growing cause for concern in the relatively high rates of symptoms in other body regions However, research has primarily focused on the back region while there is growing cause for concern in the relatively high rates of symptoms in other body regions

Background To date the underlying mechanisms leading to the onset of musculoskeletal symptom is not clear To date the underlying mechanisms leading to the onset of musculoskeletal symptom is not clear In order to effectively assess, treat, and prevent musculoskeletal symptoms, it is important to identify and understand these mechanisms. In order to effectively assess, treat, and prevent musculoskeletal symptoms, it is important to identify and understand these mechanisms. Therefore a comprehensive examination of all possible risk factors needs to be conducted. Therefore a comprehensive examination of all possible risk factors needs to be conducted.

Objectives 1. To determine prevalence rates of musculoskeletal symptoms in single and multiple body regions. Determine significant associations between individual and work related factors and the onset of musculoskeletal symptoms. Determine significant associations between individual and work related factors and the onset of musculoskeletal symptoms. Determine if the onset of musculoskeletal symptoms in one body region are independent of other body regions Determine if the onset of musculoskeletal symptoms in one body region are independent of other body regions

Objectives 2. To determine if the presence of certain subjective health complaints are associated with higher rates of musculoskeletal symptoms. 3. To determine the work factors that have a protective or risk effect on the onset of musculoskeletal symptoms

Outcome Assessment Demographic information Demographic information Age, Gender, Height, and Weight Age, Gender, Height, and Weight Lifestyle variables Lifestyle variables Smoking, Alcohol consumption, and Prayer Smoking, Alcohol consumption, and Prayer General work related factors General work related factors Yrs of Experience, Job Title, and Unit/Ward Yrs of Experience, Job Title, and Unit/Ward Musculoskeletal Symptoms – assessed using a modified version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Symptom survey (OIC-11, developed by Dr Ash Genaidy) Musculoskeletal Symptoms – assessed using a modified version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Symptom survey (OIC-11, developed by Dr Ash Genaidy)

Outcome Assessment Subjective health complaints – assessed using OIC- 11 survey Subjective health complaints – assessed using OIC- 11 survey Work-related exposure variables were evaluated using DS-94 and WE-9 surveys (developed By Dr Ash Genaidy) to determine potential risk and protective factors Work-related exposure variables were evaluated using DS-94 and WE-9 surveys (developed By Dr Ash Genaidy) to determine potential risk and protective factors Factors included Factors included Physical, mental, and sensory task requirements Physical, mental, and sensory task requirements Physical and socio-organizational environment requirements Physical and socio-organizational environment requirements Socio-organizational conditions Socio-organizational conditions Economic and individual growth conditions Economic and individual growth conditions

Contribution Overall contribution to the body of evidence regarding the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in single and multiple body regions and the factors influencing the onset of these symptoms Overall contribution to the body of evidence regarding the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in single and multiple body regions and the factors influencing the onset of these symptoms First study to focus on a cohort of nursing personnel in the U.S. First study to focus on a cohort of nursing personnel in the U.S. Increased understanding of underlying mechanisms involved in musculoskeletal symptoms – possible propagation of symptoms from one body region to another Increased understanding of underlying mechanisms involved in musculoskeletal symptoms – possible propagation of symptoms from one body region to another

Contribution If significant associations are found between the presence of allergic conditions and musculoskeletal symptoms, appropriate strategies can be developed for coping and management If significant associations are found between the presence of allergic conditions and musculoskeletal symptoms, appropriate strategies can be developed for coping and management A more comprehensive understanding of the synergistic effects of most factors existing in the workplace and their impact upon the prevalence rates of symptoms A more comprehensive understanding of the synergistic effects of most factors existing in the workplace and their impact upon the prevalence rates of symptoms Work factors having a positive (protective) effect or a negative (risk) effect can be identified and assist health professionals as well as management in applying best workplace strategies Work factors having a positive (protective) effect or a negative (risk) effect can be identified and assist health professionals as well as management in applying best workplace strategies