MUMBAI: In a rare study conducted on the health status of nurses, it has been found that an overwhelming majority of them suffer from musculoskeletal problems. An interview-based survey of 244 nurses from 21 nursing homes in the city and Thane revealed that 88.7% of them suffered from lower back pain of varying degree.

The study, which included a BMC-run nursing home too, showed how little thought was being spared to ensure nurses do not sustain injuries while supporting or lifting a patient. “While lifting a patient, they would often stand in non-linear positions, which invariably caused overloading of the spine. Barring two nursing homes in Thane, none of the rest had patient lifting devices. Even for the two nursing homes, the devices were kept in store rooms,” said principal investigator and ergonomist Roopa Rao from Nirmala Niketan College of Home Science. She added that at least 44% of them suffered from lower back pain thrice a week. Around 41% also said they suffered from pain in the right wrist.

Rao said during the course of study she found out how nurses had no resting time or space though their work schedules often exceedednine hours. “At least 9% said that empty beds became their pantries, while another 17% said they rested on the passage ways,” she said.

“The main motivators are salary and benefits to support their homes. They however have limited access to claims and compensation for occupational hazards,” she said.

