Iranian Journal of Rehabilitation Research in Nursing

Introduction: Nurses, due to work condition and stress that incur at the workplace, are at risk of developing Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) and this can be effective in development of burnout in these people. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of MSDs among nurses and its relationship with burnout.

Methods: This descriptive analytical study was performed on 400 nurses at Sari educational hospitals, during the first quarter of 2016. The samples were selected by random sampling. Data was collected using Nordic Musculoskeletal (NMQ) and Burnout questionnaires. Data was then analyzed by Chi-square, t-test and Pearson's correlation in SPSS V.18.

Results: The results showed that lower back disorders were the more prevalent (55.8%) disorders in nurses. Also, the majority of burnout was for reducing personal accomplishment (31.41 ± 7.39). A significant association was found between MSDs and reduction of personal accomplishment of Burnout (P = 0.001). Musculoskeletal Disorders were significantly associated with age, gender, body mass index and work experience. Also, there was a significant relationship between age and work experience with burnout (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: In this study, physical condition and inappropriate environmental quality led to development of chronic musculoskeletal pains in nurses. Therefore, any intervention for prevention of MSDs and reduction of burnout should focus on reducing physical and psychological pressures and increasing supervisory support.