# Relationship between musculoskeletal disorders, risk factors and sleep quality in healthcare workers

## TL;DR

This study finds that poor sleep quality and long working hours are linked to higher rates of musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare workers.

## Contribution

The study establishes a novel connection between sleep quality and musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare workers.

## Key findings

- Poor sleep quality is significantly associated with higher musculoskeletal disorder scores.
- Working hours and income level are significant risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders.
- Nurses report the highest musculoskeletal disorder scores among healthcare workers.

## Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders are highly prevalent among healthcare workers due to physically demanding tasks and stressful work conditions. These disorders contribute to decreased work performance, pain, and impaired quality of life. Sleep quality is an essential factor in overall health and has been linked to pain perception and musculoskeletal health. However, the relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and sleep quality remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare workers, identify associated risk factors, and examine the relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and sleep quality.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in a state hospital in Kırşehir, Turkey, with 249 healthcare workers. Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire to assess musculoskeletal disorders, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to evaluate sleep quality. Statistical analyses included Pearson's correlation test, t-test, and analysis of variance to examine associations between musculoskeletal disorders, sleep quality, and other risk factors.

A significant relationship was found between musculoskeletal disorders and sleep quality (p<0.001). Healthcare workers with poor sleep quality reported higher Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire scores. Additionally, musculoskeletal disorder prevalence was significantly associated with working hours (p=0.018) and income level (p=0.047). Nurses had the highest musculoskeletal disorder scores among occupational groups.

Musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare workers are influenced by sleep quality, working hours, and income level. Ergonomic interventions and policies to improve sleep quality may help reduce musculoskeletal disorder prevalence and enhance overall well-being in this workforce.