An Examination of Relationships Between Postural Habits and Awareness of Fatigue and Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Nurses

Introduction: Prolonged fatigue, caused by the hospital's demanding workload and physical demands, can increase strain on the musculoskeletal system, leading to musculoskeletal issues that may negatively impact nurses' job performance and quality of life. High postural awareness, on the other hand, can help nurses develop correct posture and movement habits, reducing the risk of experiencing discomfort, thus preserving their physical health and supporting workforce sustainability. Therefore, it is of particular importance to determine the relationship of postural awareness to fatigue and musculoskeletal discomfort in nurses working in a hospital environment with heavy working conditions and many ergonomic risks. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the postural habits, awareness, occupational fatigue levels and musculoskeletal disorders of nurses working in hospitals and to examine the relationships between these factors. Method: This study used a quantitative cross-sectional design. The study sample consisted of 132 nurses working in a hospital in Türkiye. The data for the study were collected between July and October 2023 using the Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion/Recovery Scale (OFER), Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) and Postural Habits and Awareness Scale (PHAS). Results: A significant positive, low-level correlation was found between the Recovery subscale of the OFER scale and the Postural Habits subscale of the PHAS scale (r = 0.277, p < 0.05). A significant negative, moderate-level correlation was observed between the Chronic Fatigue subscale of the OFER scale and the Postural Habits subscale of the PHAS scale (r = −0.311, p < 0.001). Additionally, a significant negative, moderate-level correlation was found between the Acute Fatigue subscale of the OFER scale and the Postural Habits subscale of the PHAS scale (r = −0.326, p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study found that as nurses' correct postural habits improved, both acute and chronic fatigue decreased, whereas recovery increased. It is suggested that interventions aimed at enhancing postural awareness and promoting correct postural habits in nurses may also positively influence occupational fatigue and exhaustion.