Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
PONTE International Scientific Researchs Journal, cilt.75, sa.12, ss.1-18, 2019 (AHCI)
Objectives: This study was planned to determine the exposure level of nurse academicians to
risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD), and their relationship with
pain and fatigue.
Material and Methods: The population of this descriptive study consisted of two faculties
and two colleges with the highest number of academicians (270 nurses) in two wellestablished
universities in İzmir. Instead of sample selection, entire population was included
in the study. “Employee questionnaire”, “Quick exposure check”, “Visual analog scale” and
“Fatigue severity scale” were used for data collection. The data were collected from the
employees in their own institutions by survey and observation method.
Results: The study 93.22 % of the nurse academicians participating in female and the mean
age was 34.68 ± 9.51. According to observer evaluation, 48.59% of the nurses were exposed
to high risk in the lumbar region, 20.34% were exposed to high risk in the shoulder/arm
region, and 57.63% were exposed to moderate risk in the hand/wrist region. According to the
self-reports of academicians, academicians stated that 70.62% were exposed to moderate risk
in terms of work tempo and 44.07% were exposed to high risk in terms of work stress. It was
found that 82.62% of the academicians with moderate work tempo had moderate pain, and
there was a statistically significant correlation between work tempo and pain (P < 0.05). It
was determined that the level of fatigue increased as the risk level of the hand/wrist and neck
region increased.
Conclusion: Based on observer evaluations and self-reports of academicians, it was
determined that nurse academicians were exposed to moderate-high risk for work-related
musculoskeletal disorders. It is recommended that nurse academicians should exercise
regularly, and the working environments should be arranged in accordance with ergonomic
conditions in order to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.