A Pilot Study of Occupational Health Problems Among Hospital Nurses

Abstract

An investigation was carried out using an interviewer-administered questionnaire on a study group of 300 nurses and on a reference group of 250 school teachers to determine the health problems associated with the nursing prof ession. Sensitivity to penicillin and other substances was found to be the most common health problem associated with nursing. Nearly 60% of the nurses were hospitalized for over three days for various types of illnesses as compared with 11% of teachers, the most common illness being typhoid fever. Recurrent sore throat, backache and varicose veins were more common in nurses and in fact, most of the illnesses were developed after joining the nursing prof ession. A considerable proportion of injuries, which involved leave for over three days, was seen among the nursing staff. The differences in prevalence rates of these diseases and disabilities are statistically significant.

Keywords

Allergy Communicable Diseases Nurses Occupational Health Teachers

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References

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