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@article{210480,
        author = {MS SHALINI BOREKAR and MS. BHAGYASHREE GAIKWAD},
        title = {A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INFORMATION BOOKLET ON KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE REGARDING BODY MECHANICS AMONG STAFF NURSES WORKING IN SELECTED HOSPITALS OF THE CITY: PRE- EXPERIMENTAL STUDY},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {6},
        pages = {742-748},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=210480},
        abstract = {Body mechanics refers to the manner in which individuals move during daily activities, such as sitting, standing, lifting, carrying, bending, and sleeping. Incorrect movement patterns can place excessive strain on the spine, leading to long-term complications such as disc degeneration, joint problems, injuries, and unnecessary wear and tear. To prevent these complications, it is essential to understand and apply proper body mechanics during the procedure. Maintaining correct posture helps keep the spine in a neutral position, avoiding excessive forward rounding or backward arching. Adopting these principles in everyday routines is a simple yet effective way to support spinal health and prevent musculoskeletal problems. When studying body mechanics, ergonomics provides the theoretical foundation for safe and efficient human movement. Ergonomics is defined as the scientific discipline concerned with analyzing human interactions with various components of a system, applying theories, principles, and methodologies to optimize human wellbeing and system performance. In healthcare, ergonomics emphasizes aligning workplace design and body mechanics to reduce physical strain, prevent musculoskeletal injuries, and enhance efficiency in patient care. By integrating ergonomic principles, nurses can maintain proper posture, balance, and alignment while performing routine tasks such as lifting, transferring, or positioning patients. This not only safeguards their own health but also ensures safer and more effective delivery of care. Nursing is a physically demanding profession, and improper body mechanics remain a major contributor to musculoskeletal disorders among staff nurses. A recent study published in Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine Journal reported that nearly 62% of nurses demonstrated inadequate knowledge and only 48% practiced correct body mechanics during patient handling, highlighting a significant gap between awareness and safe practice. Such deficiencies not only increase the risk of back injuries and occupational strain but also compromise patient safety during transfers and positioning. Evidence shows that structured educational interventions, such as information booklets, can effectively improve knowledge retention and foster positive attitudes toward safe practices. Given the high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal problems among nurses and the limited emphasis on ergonomics in routine training, there is a pressing need to assess the effectiveness of simple, accessible educational tools. This study aims to bridge that gap by evaluating whether an information booklet can enhance both knowledge and attitude regarding body mechanics among staff nurses in hospital settings. Objectives Of the Study To access the effectiveness of an information booklet in enhancing the knowledge and attitude regarding body mechanics among staff nurses working in selected hospitals of the city. To assess the pre-test knowledge and attitude score regarding body mechanics among staff nurses working in selected hospitals of the city. To assess the post-test knowledge and attitude score regarding body mechanics among staff nurses working in the selected hospitals of the city. To associate posttest knowledge and attitude score with selected demographic variables. Methodology In the present study, the quantitative research approach was adopted. This approach was considered suitable as the objective was to assess the effectiveness of an information booklet on body mechanics in improving the knowledge and attitude of staff nurses working in selected hospitals. Quantitative research approach has been adopted in the present study to objectively measure the changes in knowledge and attitude of staff nurses regarding body mechanics. A pre-test was administered on day 1 using a Self-structured questionnaire and standardized attitude scale, depicted as O1, to assess baseline knowledge and attitude. On the same day, the intervention in the form of an information booklet on body mechanics was provided, depicted as X. A post-test was conducted on day 7 using the same Self structured knowledge questionnaire and standardized attitude assessment scale, depicted as O2, to measure the improvement in knowledge and attitude. In the present study, the setting comprised selected hospitals of the city, where staff nurses were working in oncology department. Sample size is 60. 17 experts from the fields of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Physiotherapist, Doctors of medicine and Nursing director. Out of these, 14 validated responses were received with valuable suggestions and comments. The experts recommended modifications to improve clarity, relevance, and comprehensiveness of the items. Based on their feedback, certain questions were rephrased and refined to ensure better understanding. In the study, the reliability of the Self structured knowledge questionnaire and standardized attitude scale was established using Cronbach’s Alpha method. The obtained reliability coefficient was Cronbach’s Alpha based on standardized items = 0.923 r = 0. 923.Result findings demonstrate a clear improvement in both knowledge and attitude following the intervention. The paired t-test analysis demonstrates a statistically significant improvement in both knowledge and attitude scores following the intervention. For knowledge, the mean pre-test score was 10.97 ± 2.50, which increased to a mean post-test score of 19.82 ± 1.38. This difference was found to be highly significant, with a t value of –23.943 at 59 degrees of freedom and a p-value < 0.01, indicating a substantial gain in knowledge after the intervention.},
        keywords = {},
        month = {November},
        }