Introduction Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are highly prevalent among hospital cleaners globally, yet epidemiological data among older hospital cleaners in China remains limited in the context of workforce aging and delayed retirement policies. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among hospital cleaners in three tertiary public hospitals in Wenzhou, China. Data were collected using the Chinese version of the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (C-NMQ). A total of 246 hospital cleaners aged ≥50 years and 80 cleaners aged 50 years (as an age comparison group) were included. Chi-square tests and Cochran-Armitage trend tests were used to analyze age-related prevalence patterns. Multivariable logistic regression with backward stepwise selection was employed to identify independent risk factors. Results The 12-month prevalence of WMSDs among cleaners aged ≥50 years was 32.1%. The most commonly affected body regions were the shoulder, knee, and neck. Multivariable analysis revealed that working in uncomfortable postures (AOR = 2.87) and staff shortage (AOR = 2.71) were independent risk factors for WMSDs. Sensitivity analysis showed that working 50 h per week significantly increased the risk of WMSDs. Discussion Older hospital cleaners experience a considerable burden of WMSDs. Working in uncomfortable postures, staff shortage, and long working hours are major risk factors. Comprehensive interventions targeting ergonomic improvements, organizational management optimization, and occupational health surveillance are recommended, with priority given to early screening and intervention, particularly for workers transitioning into older age groups. These findings provide evidence for occupational health protection in the context of the delayed retirement policy in China.
Zhou et al. (Wed,) studied this question.