The relationship between knowledge of ergonomic science and the occupational health among nursing staff affiliated to Golestan University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Occupational hazards of nursing jobs are much higher than other jobs and neglecting this fact may reduce the quality of nursing services. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between knowledge of ergonomic science and the occupational injuries among the nursing staff affiliated to Golestan University of Medical Sciences.

METHODS: It was a cross-sectional analytical study on 423 nursing staff working in various medical centers affiliated to Golestan University of Medical Sciences in 2008, selected by quota randomized sampling. Data collection instrument was Ergonomics Questionnaire, which consisted of 72 questions. Cronbach alpha for main sections of the questionnaire was 0.8, 0.8 and 0.9. Descriptive and analytical tests were used for data analysis and an alpha error of 5% was considered.

RESULTS: 36.1% of the subjects had 5-10 years work experience; 61.9% of nurses had a good knowledge of ergonomic principles; 83% were exposed to a mild level of occupational hazards. There was no significant relationship between knowledge of ergonomics and occupational injuries (p = 0.08). The relationships between knowledge of ergonomics and age, gender, marital status, work experience, the type and the location of service were significant (p < 0.05). The relationship between occupational injuries and the age, work experience, employment type and location of the service of nurses were also statistically significant (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Training staff to do their job in the best way, giving breaks between long working hours, using appropriate tools and facilities and paying attention to the ergonomic consideration by authorities can provide a healthier work environment for nurses and optimize human resource efficiency.

KEY WORDS: Ergonomics, nurses, occupational injures.