Published in PLOS One on 2026-07-22, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Abel Desalegn Demeke, Abraham Dessie Gessesse, Etaferaw Bekele Auddo, Takla Tamir, Alem Bayable, Ababo Demeke, Sohel Ahmed
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0354484
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are among the most prevalent work-related disorders affecting individuals across all age groups and professions. Nurses are highly vulnerable due to the nature of their professional duties. However, no comprehensive meta-analysis has been done on the prevalence of WMSDs among nurses. Thus, the purpose of this study was to provide the pooled prevalence and associated factors of WMSDs among nurses in Ethiopia.
This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251136383). To retrieve relevant studies, various electronic databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, HINARI, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to August 14, 2025. The Joana Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool was used for literature quality assessment. The necessary data were extracted and analyzed with STATA 17. A random-effects model was employed to estimate the pooled prevalence of WMSDs and associated factors while also evaluating heterogeneity and publication bias. Furthermore, a nonparametric trim and fill analysis and leave-one-out sensitivity analysis were conducted.
A total of sixteen studies containing 5982 nurses were included in this study. The pooled prevalence of WMSDs among nurses in Ethiopia was 61.47% (95% CI: 55.08–67.87). Being female (PAOR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.08–1.75), job stress (PAOR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.34–2.56), prolonged standing (PAOR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.29–2.66), and work experience (≥ 5 years) (PAOR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.08–2.31) were factors significantly associated with WMSDs.
WMSDs among nurses in Ethiopia are considerably high. The finding of our study may warrant attention in workplace risk management such as supportive management and ergonomic training and education, especially for female nurses and those with work experience (≥ 5 years). However, job stress and prolonged standing factors should be interpreted cautiously due to the substantial variability of covariates observed across studies.
Background
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) is a term used to express symptoms caused or worsened by work, characterized by damage to muscle, tendon, ligament, nerve tissue, and supporting blood vessels [1]. It is sometimes referred to as cumulative trauma disorder, soft tissue disorders, overuse syndromes, regional musculoskeletal disorders, repetitive motion injuries, and repetitive strain injuries [2]. WMSDs are the main driver of non-communicable disease-related disability burden and one of the most prevalent work-related disorders affecting individuals across all age groups and professions [3,4].
According to the study of Global Burden Disease, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was estimated at 6320 (5510–7220) per 100,000 among people of all age groups in 2020 worldwide [5]. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the global prevalence of WMSDs among nurses found that the overall WMSDs pooled prevalence was 81.1% in the three most affected body areas, such as the lower back (58.5%), neck (45.9%), and shoulders (40.9%) [6]. A meta-analysis conducted in China found that the annual prevalence of WMSDs among nurses was 79% [7]. Another systematic review in Africa estimated the prevalence of WMSDs to range from 15% to 93.5% [8]. However, in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in Ethiopia, WMSDs remain less focused due to the emphasis on more pressing and life-threatening health issues like infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases [9].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider research & evidence desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Abel Desalegn Demeke, Abraham Dessie Gessesse, Etaferaw Bekele Auddo, Takla Tamir, Alem Bayable, Ababo Demeke, Sohel Ahmed. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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