Proceedings of the 8th World Conference on Qualitative Research

Introduction: In the last two decades we have seen a growing interest in work-related musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) in nurses, evidenced in the high number of scientific production identified. Its prevalence is related to the work process, the high physical demands, the environment, stress and its emotional component. The consequences of this impact are well known: presenteeism, absenteeism, suffering, increased risk of chronicity, economic costs, reduced productivity, decreased quality of life and burnout. The obstetric nurse (ON) faces this reality daily and little has been studied and analysed about the risks inherent to their clinical practice. This work aimed to: characterize the self-perception of ON regarding activities with a risk of MSI. Methods: For this study we used a qualitative approach using Photovoice method. It was selected 20 ON, who carry out their work in labour centers. Each nurse carried out a photographic record of 5 activities that in their perfective have a risk of MSI. Interviews were subsequently carried out, and the interviews were transcribed, analysed and categorized. For this process, the WebQda software was used. Results: Of the 20 ON, 19 were female and 1 male, with an average of 47.5 years of live, with an average of 24.8 years of nursing, and 14.4 years as an ON. Twenty-two activities were photographically recorded, the ones that involved the greatest number were: material preparation, CTG monitoring, gynaecological examination, patient positioning and delivery. From the analysis of the interviews, 183 references to risk perception emerged, with the category “nature of professional activity” having the highest number of references (84), followed by the precariousness of the material (49). Eighteen sources focused on musculoskeletal symptoms. Conclusion: This study highlights the ON's view of the problem, focusing on the severity of MSI in this professional group.