Knowledge and practice of use of correct body mechanics during patient care among hospital nurses

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Body mechanics includes how we hold our bodies when we sit, stand, lift, carry, and bend. During patient care, nurses are involved in incorrect lifting, carrying, or transferring dependent patients leading to poor body mechanics. Proper use of body mechanics is not only crucial for the health of the nurses but also impacts the safety and comfort of patients. The findings of this study will help to improve knowledge and use of correct techniques of body mechanics in hospital nurses. AIM: To assess the level of knowledge of hospital nurses regarding the correct use of body mechanics during patient care activities. To evaluate the practice of hospital nurses regarding correct body mechanics during patient care activities. SETTING AND DESIGN: A questionnaire-based survey with Hospital set-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A selfmade questionnaire was validated and circulated physically via hardcopy and online through Google Forms to the 70 nurses working at hospitals with a diploma or degree holders. The questions were close-ended and in the English language. Responses were collected and response rate was 100% which is filled and analyzed in Microsoft Excel version 2019. Descriptive data analysis was done and results were obtained. Descriptive analysis was done by calculating frequency, percentage, and mean and standard deviation. RESULTS: It has been found that 62.8% nurses have knowledge about body mechanics while, 54.5% nurses correctly practice body mechanics at their workplace which shows that, in comparison to good knowledge there is lesser number of nurses practicing correct body mechanics at the workplace. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the Majority of Hospital Nurses have the necessary Knowledge of Body Mechanics but, only fewer are putting it into practice due to time constraints, or a gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Therefore, efforts may be needed to bridge this gap and encourage proper body mechanics in the workplace.