Prevalence, patterns, and associated factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among intensive care unit and emergency room nurses in Palestine: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Background Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent a leading occupational health concern among nurses globally. These disorders affect muscles, ligaments, bones, joints, and tendons, often leading to absenteeism, work restrictions, and reduced work efficiency. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of WMSDs among Palestinian nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs) and emergency rooms (ERs), identify the patterns of WMSDs, and examine the associated factors. Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in four main public hospitals in Palestine from 1 to 30 April 2024. A total population (census) sampling strategy was employed to ensure comprehensive coverage of the target population. The total eligible population consisted of 183 nurses, including 99 nurses working in ICUs and 84 nurses working in ERs. A self-administered questionnaire based on the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to assess WMSDs. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, and the chi-square tests were used to examine unadjusted associations between WMSD symptoms and sociodemographic and work-related variables. Results A total of 160 nurses completed the questionnaire, including 89 ICU nurses and 71 ER nurses, yielding an overall response rate of 87.4%. The overall prevalence of WMSDs in the past 12 months was 95.0%, 152 of 160. The within-department prevalence was 96.6% among ICU nurses, 86 of 89, and 93.0% among ER nurses, 66 of 71. The overall difference between departments was not statistically significant, chi-square = 1.121, p = 0.468. The most commonly affected anatomical sites were the lower back (85.0%), followed by the shoulders (77.0%), and the neck (71.3%). ER nurses reported a significantly higher prevalence of knee problems (51.6% vs. 48.4%, p = 0.035) and ankle/foot issues (54.1% vs. 45.9%, p = 0.017) compared to ICU nurses. Nurses who do not exercise regularly reported more frequent WMSD symptoms than those who exercise ( p = 0.017). Additionally, nurses with 5–9 years of work experience reported higher WMSD rates compared to those with 1–4 years and more than 9 years ( p = 0.029). Conclusion Work-related musculoskeletal disorders were highly prevalent among Palestinian ICU and ER nurses, primarily affecting the lower back, shoulders, and neck. Years of work experience and lack of regular exercise were significantly associated with WMSDs, with notable differences between ICU and ER staff in knee and ankle/foot problems.