Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and its Association with Perceived Stress Among Undergraduate Nursing Students in Nigeria

Background: Pain and impediments to the activities of daily living are common symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) that individuals experience from work-related activities. The occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) triggers the body system and there is a heightened perception of stress, which could be associated with the musculoskeletal disorders or other psychosocial factors. Aim: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and the level of perceived stress and investigate the association between work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and perceived stress. Method: A cross-sectional study design was employed. And participants for the study were recruited using a consecutive sampling technique, with criteria for the study such as 200-500 level undergraduate nursing students. Participants were required to complete questionnaires assessing the work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) prevalence and perceived stress. Questionnaires were distributed by hand and collected via the same means with assistance from level representatives. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS software, version 27.0. Chi square test was used to determine the association between work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and Perceived Stress among undergraduate clinical nursing students, while descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Results: A high proportion of undergraduate nursing students reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in at least one body region, the lower back being the most affected area. With a 12-month prevalence of 95.8%. A moderate level of perceived stress (74.1%) was the most reported in the study population. There is a significant association with Shoulder MSD (X2 = 4.473, p = 0.037), Upper Back (X2 = 5.066, p = 0.036) and Lower Back MSD (X2 = 6.127, p = 0.018), and Hip/Thighs MSD (X2 = 5.995, p = 0.021). The other body regions (Neck, Elbow, Wrist/Hand, Knees, Ankles) were not statistically significant when associated with perceived stress across the study population. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of MSDs (95.8%) among undergraduate nursing students. 30.5%, 25%, 16.2%, and 24.1% of undergraduate nursing students at the 500, 400, 300, and 200 levels reported having musculoskeletal complaints respectively in that order. Despite the high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), the study found a significant association with perceived stress.