Analysis of functional parameters related to occupational risk factors of ICU nursing activity

Abstract

Evaluating factors such as fatigue and functional aspects can identify overloads during nursing activities. The aim was to evaluate need for recovery, prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort, working capacity and perceived exertion of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses. Twenty-four nurses participated (aged 40±8 years; 10 men and 14 women). The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, work ability index (WAI), need for recovery scale (NRE) and scale of perceived exertion (Borg) were applied. Gender differences were evaluated by Student's t-test and the prevalence by Fisher's exact test. There was a prevalence of 75% in the last 12 months, 100% of women and 42% of men (significant difference; p=0.024). Women rated work as more intense than men (p<0.05). There were no differences between NRE/WAI. The study emphasizes the importance of preventive actions focused on nursing activities and strategies for prevention of discomfort in females.