Longitudinal relationship of work hours, mandatory overtime, and on-call to musculoskeletal problems in nurses

Am J Ind Med. 2006 Nov;49(11):964-71. doi: 10.1002/ajim.20330.

Abstract

Background: Nurses are at very high risk for work-related musculoskeletal injury/disorders (MSD) with low back pain/injury being the most frequently occurring MSD. Nurses are also likely to work extended schedules (long hours, on-call, mandatory overtime, working on days off). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of extended work schedules in nurses to MSD.

Methods: Using a longitudinal, three wave survey of 2,617 registered nurses, Wave 1 work schedule data were related to neck, shoulder, and back (MSD) cases occurring in Waves 2 or 3.

Results: Schedule characteristics increasing MSD risk included 13+ hour/days, off-shifts, weekend work, work during time off (while sick, on days off, without breaks), and overtime/on-call. These increases in risk were not explained by psychological demands, but were largely explained by physical demands.

Conclusions: Adverse schedules are significantly related to nurse MSD. Healthier schedules, less overtime, and reducing work on days off would minimize risk and recovery time.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Nurses*
  • Personnel Staffing and Scheduling*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Workload*