Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Healthcare Workers at Colonel Lotfi Hospital in 2026

Abstract

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent a major occupational health challenge in healthcare settings worldwide. Healthcare professionals are particularly vulnerable due to the physically demanding nature of their work, including patient handling, prolonged standing, repetitive movements, and exposure to awkward postures. In Algeria, WMSDs remain underrecognized as an occupational health concern, with limited data available on their prevalence among hospital staff. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare professionals at the Colonel Lotfi Hospital of Laghouat, and to analyze their distribution according to sociodemographic characteristics, occupational factors, and anatomical localization. Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted from January to April 2026 across all departments of the EPH of Laghouat. A total of 248 (HCWs) including physicians, surgeons, nurses, and technicians — were surveyed using a structured self-administered questionnaire incorporating the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and occupational data were collected and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results: The overall prevalence of WMSDs was 79.8% (n = 198), affecting nearly four out of five healthcare workers surveyed. The sample was predominantly female (56.6%) with a median age of 34 years. Nurses constituted the most affected professional category, with a prevalence rate of 88.5%, followed by surgeons (80%) and non-surgical physicians (73.9%). Among the affected population, 77.5% presented with multi-site involvement. The low back (lumbar region) was the most frequently reported anatomical site (84.8%), followed by the neck (49.5%) and shoulders (45.5%). Temporal work factors were strongly associated with symptom burden: 75.8% of affected workers reported working shifts exceeding 10 hours, and over 90% worked more than 30 hours per week. Workers with more than 21 years of professional seniority showed the highest prevalence rates (100% and 88.8% for the 21–30 and >30 years groups, respectively). Conclusion: This study reveals a high and concerning prevalence of WMSDs among healthcare professionals at EPH Laghouat, consistent with international data from comparable healthcare settings. The results highlight the urgent need for targeted ergonomic interventions, institutional prevention programs, and systematic occupational health monitoring within Algerian hospitals.