Nurten Tasdemir

Determination of pain in musculoskeletal system reported by office workers and the pain risk factors

OBJECTIVES This research was conducted as a cross-sectional descriptive study aimed at determining the existence of pain in the musculoskeletal system among office workers and the reasons for it. MATERIAL AND METHODS The sample consisted of 528 office workers. Collection of data was achieved using a questionnaire prepared by the researchers in line with information from the literature. RESULTS The male and female office workers most frequently complained of pain in the lower back (55.1%), neck (52.5%) and back (53%). It was seen that out of the variables relating to the work environment, those which had the most significant effect on muscular-skeletal system pain were sitting at the desk for a long time without a break, working sitting on a chair that supported only the lumbar area and the arms, having the computer mouse at a distance from the keyboard, having the head inclined at 45° when working, working holding both forearms above the level of the desk, not taking exercise in daily life, and having a moderate or extremely stressful workplace (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The conclusion has been reached in this study that in order for office workers not to suffer musculoskeletal system pain, it is very important that the working environment should be ergonomically arranged and that various measures should be taken to ensure healthy life behavior. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2018;31(1):91-111.

Critical-Care Nurses’ Pain Experiences and the Prognostic Factors

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the emergence of pain in critical-care nurses and the prognostic risk factors. Design: This study is a cross-sectional descriptive research. Setting and Subjects: This study was conducted with the participation of 111 critical-care nurses in Zonguldak province, Turkey. Interventions: The data were collected using a survey form and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire between August and November 2015. The data were evaluated using frequency, average, Pearson correlation analysis, &khgr;2, logistic regression, and odds ratio tests. Results: The critical-care nurses were found to experience pain mostly in their lower backs (88.3%), upper backs (77.5%), right (76.6%) and left (78.4%) feet, necks (73.9%), and most infrequently in the right (28.8%) and left (28.8%) lower arms. Changing bed linens while the patient remained in bed and lifting, pulling, or pushing heavy materials caused those nurses who felt despondent and tired to feel significant pain in the shoulder, neck, upper arm, wrist, and knee (P < .05). Conclusions: These results were significant for placing emphasis on maintaining body mechanics while caring for patients, providing appropriate environmental conditions, and ensuring ergonomics to preserve the health of critical-care nurses who work in hospitals.