Knowledge attitudes and practices related to hospital ergonomics among nurses working in four selected hospitals in Colombo District

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Objectives: To assess the levels of knowledge, favorable attitudes and desirable practices related to work ergonomics among nurses in four, selected hospitals in Colombo district Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted in four selected hospitals in Colombo district using pretested, self-administered questionnaire among 862 female nurses to ascertain data related to work ergonomics. Sample was randomly selected according to nurses’ ratio in each hospital. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics using SPSS statistical software (version 16). Knowledge levels were calculated using standard criteria. Favorable attitudes and desirable practices were determined based on the mean scores. Results: Response rate was 70% (n=603) and mean age of the nurses was 34.6(+SD=8.3). Only 4.4% had university degrees. The overall knowledge of the nurses (46.6%) on work related ergonomic was moderate, and the proportion of nurses who had good knowledge on work ergonomics was 0 (0%). The majority of the nurses had unfavourable attitudes towards work ergonomics. Among fourteen statements that reflect attitudes, only four statements were marked in favour of work ergonomics. Nurses marked their practices in frequencies. Of the 12 statements related to . hursing activities attributed to work ergonomics, majority of participants carried out undesirable practices in seven and desirable practices in five. Conclusions: Knowledge, attitudes and practices were not favourable to hospital work ergonomics in the study population. Since hospital work ergonomics is one of the major determinant of work related health problems and occupational health, steps should be taken to improve knowledge, attitudes and practices related to work ergonomics among nurses.