Introduction The percentage of elderly citizens is continually rising due to improved living conditions and health care system around the world. Nursing aides (NAs) were reported at high risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in several studies.

Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the association between occupational risk factors in the workplace and MSD among NAs in nursing home.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among female NAs from nursing home. A self-administered questionnaire, including Nordic questionnaire was used to collect data. The association between work-related risk factors and MSDs were analyses by multiple logistic regression.

Results A total of 329 nursing aides were included in the analysis of the study. The average age and tenure of NAs were 44.3 years old and 7.0 years. Shoulder (77.9%) was the most commonly reported affected area, followed by the lower back (75.7%), neck (69.2%), wrist and hand (62.5%), ankle (59.1%), elbow (57.2%), knee (56.3%) and thigh (46.2%). In work-related risk factors, 60% NAs reported more than 8 hours standing per day, and 34.3% NAs had to lifted over 10 Kg heavy more than 20 times a day. 37.7% NAs reported that they were injuried or had disease from this job in this year. The presence of shoulder pain was significantly related to tenure (OR 2.3), awkward postures (OR 2.5), inadequate height of work desk/chair (OR 3.2). Low back pain was related to awkward postures (OR 2.7) and standing hours per day (OR 4.7). Neck pain was related to awkward postures (OR 2.3) and inadequate height of work desk/chair (OR 3.1). Wrist and hand pain was related to awkward postures (OR 3.7).

Conclusion The prevalence of LBP among NAs in Taiwan is high. Any MSD reduction interventions that aim to improve ergonomic and work environments for NAs should take this information into consideration.