Pain-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Health Care Workers at SHAR Teaching Hospital in Sulaymaniyah city

Hawzhin Sabr Sleman; Delan Jamal Qader

doi:10.15218/ejnm.2026.09

Authors

Hawzhin Sabr Sleman Department of Adult Nursing, College of Nursing, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
Delan Jamal Qader Department of Fundamental Nursing, College of Nursing, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2009-8255

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15218/ejnm.2026.09

Keywords:

Musculoskeletal Disorders, Healthcare professionals, Occupational health, Severity of pain

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders represent a significant global occupational health problem, especially among healthcare professionals engaged in physically strenuous activities such as patient handling, prolonged standing, and repetitive motions. These factors significantly affect quality of life and work efficacy. This study assesses the prevalence, anatomical distribution, severity, and associated factors of musculoskeletal pain among healthcare professionals at Shar Teaching Hospital in Sulaymaniyah City.

Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out between 15 December 2024 and 25 March 2025, including 235 nurses and physicians. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and a modified Nordic Body Map and analyzed with SPSS version 24.

Result: The findings indicated that all individuals experienced musculoskeletal discomfort in the preceding 12 months, with the lower back, feet/ankles, and neck (46.8%, 11.9%, and 22.6% respectively) identified as the most impacted areas. A majority of participants indicated experiencing moderate to severe pain (61.3%).Significant associations were identified between pain severity and several variables, including age, gender, years of experience, financial status, department, and work hours (p < 0.01). Although training in lifting techniques did not yield statistically significant results, a protective trend was observed. The major symptom was a gradual onset of pain (94%), commonly aggravated by prolonged standing or bending.

Conclusion: This study highlights the occupational impact of musculoskeletal disorders on healthcare workers, particularly in high-demand departments and among individuals with extended employment or financial stress.

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