Musculoskeletal pain in healthcare workers in Slovakia: a nationwide cross-sectional observational study

Abstract

The main objective of our study is to examine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among healthcare workers in Slovakia. The cross-sectional study analyzed a sample of 801 healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, nurses, paramedics, and medical doctors. Data collection took place from December 2022 to December 2024. The main outcomes were the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain according to Nordics musculoskeletal questionnaire. The data were analyzed to determine the prevalence of symptoms in specific body regions, the time periods of occurrence (7 days vs.12 months), and their impact on work capacity. The sample consisted of 801 individuals, with 644 (80.4%) females and 157 (19.6%) males. Professionally, the sample included 248 (30.96%) physical therapists, 194 (24.22%) nursing care professionals, 164 (20.47%) paramedic workers, 195 (24.34%) medical doctors. The analysis revealed that the three body regions with the highest prevalence of pain among health workers were the head/neck, lower back, and upper back. The pain in the head and neck region was the most prevalent across all healthcare professional groups, with the highest rates observed in nurses (51.03% of participants, increasing to 84.02% over the past 12 months). Pain in the lower back and upper back was common but showed no significant gender disparities in any group. Among physiotherapists, women reported a significantly higher prevalence of pain in the head and neck region (78.24%) compared to men (53.13%, p = 0.004). A statistically significant difference was found in shoulder pain, where men reported a higher prevalence (85.71%) than women (50%, p = 0.021). Among medical doctors, women reported a significantly higher prevalence of head and neck pain (87.01%) compared to men (61.11%, p = 0.011). Female sex was a significant predictor of pain occurrence. Musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the head/neck and lower back, is highly prevalent among healthcare professionals in Slovakia, with notable gender differences in certain regions. These findings highlight the need for targeted rehabilitation and preventive measures, such as ergonomic adjustments and rehabilitation, to reduce pain and improve the well-being of healthcare workers.