2026-09-20T14:00:39Zhttps://repository.unam.edu.na/server/oai/request

oai:repository.unam.edu.na:11070/42142026-03-28T22:01:09Zcom_11070_3438com_11070_3321com_11070_3307col_11070_1209

Mitonga, Honore Kambwebwe Akweetelela, A. 2026-03-23T10:11:06Z 2026-03-23T10:11:06Z 2025 http://hdl.handle.net/11070/4214 A dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) are impairments, discomfort, disability, and persistent pain in joints, muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons. Globally, WRMSDs are common problems and prevalent in the nursing profession. The WRMSDs among nurses have been observed and documented in the Namibian context at some Intermediate Hospitals (IHs), despite the efforts made by the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) to develop an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policy aimed at preventing WRMSDs in health care workers. The individual OHS policies or single ergonomic interventions have failed to reduce WRMSDs because these disorders are multifactorial in nature and require multiple interventions to address them. This study aimed develop a multifaceted ergonomic educational program to prevent WRMSDs among nurses in IHs in Namibia. The study utilized an explanatory sequential study design with a mixed method approach, comprising quantitative (cross-sectional) and qualitative (exploitativedescriptive) components. The self-administered Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to collect data from 808 randomly selected nurses at IHs Katutura, Onandjokwe, Oshakati, and Rundu. An interview guide was used to collect data from purposively sampled OHS key informants from MoHSS and nurses at IHs. SPSS Statistics 26 was used for descriptive statistical analysis. The relationship between the independent and dependent variables was analysed using multiple logistic regression analysis, while the interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The 12-month prevalence rate of WRMSDs among nurses was highest at Katutura Intermediate Hospital (76%), followed by Oshakati (73%), Rundu (69%), and Onandjokwe (65%). Over the 12-month period, the lower back was the most affected body part by WRMSDs, with prevalence rates at Katutura (74%), Onandjokwe (72%), Rundu (71%), and Oshakati (69%) Intermediate Hospitals, respectively. Age, years of experience, high workloads, repetitive manual tasks, awkward postures, manual handling, extensive standing, and sitting were strongly associated with the development of WRMSDs among nurses (p≤0.005) across all IHs. The study developed a multifaceted ergonomic educational program with five key elements: adequate staffing; training; promotion of physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and hazard analysis; preemployment screening; and work and equipment modification. The program was evaluated iii using the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) framework for program evaluation. It was concluded that WRMSDs are a prevalent health problem among nurses at all IHs in Namibia. It is recommended that MoHSS implement the program as it could prevent WRMSDs among nurses and ensure a healthy working team. Further studies are recommended to assess the long-term impact and sustainability of the program in diverse healthcare settings en University of Namibia Educational program Ergonomics Musculoskeletal disorders Namibia Nurses Occupational health Prevention strategies Program development Public hospitals Work-related injuries University of Namibia Development of a multifaceted ergonomic educational program to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses in intermediate public hospitals in Namibia Thesisopen.access