Behavioral Factors Related to Musculoskeletal Disorders in Nurses based on Theory of lanned Behavior

Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common and costly occupational injuries. Musculoskeletal disorders represent a significant occupational problem among nurses. The aim of current study was to determine behavioral factors related to musculoskeletal disorders among nurses by using the theory of planned behavior. A cross-sectional study was carried out among nurses in hospitals of Qom University of Medical Sciences in 2011. A total number of 264 registered nurses with working experience at least one year, and different shifts were included in the study. A reliable and valid questionnaire based on the theory of planned behavior and Nordic was used for data gathering. Data were analyzed using statistical software SPSS for windows V.16 Independent t-test, chi-square, Mann - Whitney and Pearson correlation tests were used for testing the correlations among variables. The study showed that 47.5% of nurses in the past 12 months and 36.2% during the past 7 days have suffered from musculoskeletal disorders. The most work-related disorders were in the low back and neck. Also statistically significant difference was found between the mean scores of the constructs of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention in nurses with and without musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal disorder rate still is high in nurses and attention and action is needed to improve nurses’ health. Theory of planned behavior is effective at identifying behavioral and attitudinal factors related to the correct ergonomic principles in the through working position.