Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among clinical laboratory workers

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder and ergonomic risk practice among medical laboratory professionals at health facilities of eastern Ethiopia

Background

Musculoskeletal disorders represent a significant occupational problem due to poor ergonomic workstations among medical laboratory professionals; however, there is limited information regarding ergonomic-related musculoskeletal disorders among laboratory personnel in Ethiopia, particularly in eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was implemented among 241 Medical Laboratory Professionals (MLPs) from December 20, 2023, to January 20, 2024. A standardized questionnaire adapted from the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and a combination of self-administered surveys and direct observational techniques was used for data collection. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders with findings presented through Odds ratios and a 95% Confidence Interval (CI), and statistical significance was declared at p-value <0.05.

Result

This study showed that over the past 12 months, 142 (58.9%; 95% CI: 52.0, 65.0) Medical Laboratory professionals reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders at least in one of the nine body parts. Age 36 and above years (AOR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.02, 6.01), being female (AOR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.09, 5.04), work experience 10-15 years (AOR = 3.99; 95% CI: 1.6, 9.4), work experience >15 years (AOR = 4.13; 95% CI: 1.52, 10.81), sitting time 4 and above hours (AOR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.10, 4.63), patient load >300 (AOR = 2.67; 95% CI: 1.12, 7.46), and being overweight (AOR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.04, 6.03) were factors significantly associated.

Conclusion

The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was found to be higher among Medical Laboratory Professionals as compared to previous research conducted in Ethiopia. It is recommended to regularly evaluate workstations to reduce strain through adjustments in the chair and bench heights and implement task rotation to reduce repetitive movements and distribute physical demands among staff, in addition to that, adjust work schedules to include intermittent breaks. Tailored ergonomic solutions and flexible arrangements should be provided for female professionals who are at a higher risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Furthermore, conducting routine health screenings to detect early signs of musculoskeletal disorders for timely intervention, as well as enhancing awareness among Medical Laboratory Professionals, are essential measures to mitigate ergonomic risk practice.

Occupational health in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): A systematic review and call for comprehensive policy development

BACKGROUND

This systematic review evaluates occupational health within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, focusing on ergonomic, physical, chemical, and biological hazards. It identifies significant impacts of these hazards across various professions and underscores the highlights for region-specific strategies and further research.

METHODS

A comprehensive search in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases until October 2023 targeted occupational health studies in the GCC, adhering to PRISMA guidelines and NIH Quality Assessment Tools. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023465909).

RESULTS

From 2202 articles screened, 202 were included, with publications distributed as follows: Saudi Arabia (121), United Arab Emirates (26), Kuwait (20), Oman (15), Qatar (13), and Bahrain (7). Findings indicate that ergonomic hazards, characterized by musculoskeletal disorders, are influenced by job roles and work environments. Physical hazards, particularly needlestick injuries, eye safety concerns, and risks from extreme temperatures and radiation, were notable across the region. Chemical hazards, including exposure to pesticides, cement, and petrochemicals, were identified as significant health risks, necessitating better safety measures. Biological hazards, evidenced in studies from Oman, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, highlighted the risks from infectious agents and parasites, stressing the need for effective prevention and hygiene practices.

CONCLUSION

The review advocates for the urgent development of comprehensive health policies to mitigate occupational hazards in the GCC. It highlights the need for collaborative efforts to address ergonomic challenges, enhance protective measures, and respond to chemical and biological risks effectively. Region-specific strategies, ongoing research, and technological advancements are crucial for ensuring workforce safety in these evolving environments.

Musculoskeletal disorders and its associated factors among hospital cleaners in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

There is a paucity of published evidence about musculoskeletal disorders among hospital cleaners in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and its associated factors among hospital cleaners in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 437 hospital cleaners participated in the study. A standardized questionnaire adapted from the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used for data collection. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders. The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among hospital cleaners was 57.2% with 95% CI (52.6-62.0). Occupational safety training [AOR: 2.34, 95% CI (1.47-3.73)], repetitive tasks [AOR: 3.09, 95% CI (1.61-5.94)], heavy lifting [AOR: 5.21, 95% CI (3.20-8.48)], work-related stress [AOR: 2.42, 95% CI (1.48-3.97) and work-related dissatisfaction [AOR: 1.97, 95% CI (1.23-3.13)] were identified as associated factors for the development of musculoskeletal disorders. In conclusion the study revealed a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder. Notably, work related and organizational factors emerged as key contributing factors to the development of disorders. The identified associations underscore the importance of targeted interventions promoting organizational change involving managers to mitigate the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and enhance overall occupational health and well-being.

Musculoskeletal Pains among Phlebotomists in Outpatient Clinics: Prevalence and Association with Personal Factors and Ergonomic Analysis of the Workstation

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems reported by phlebotomists, and the association of these problems with workstation characteristics and personal factors.

METHODS

Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to phlebotomists (n = 115; 65.2% response rate). In addition to the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, we asked respondents to provide sociodemographic data. An ergonomic score was used for the characterization of workstations.

RESULTS

Symptoms in at least 1 body area within a year were reported by 80.7% of the participants. The lower back, neck, and shoulders were the most common areas in which symptoms occurred (72.7%, 60.9%, and 59%, respectively); these were also the areas with the highest incidence of symptoms disrupting work. A logistic regression model for predicting pain within a year found adequate leg space as a significant component of the ergonomic score (P = .045, OR = 0.222), which was also a protective factor for neck pain disrupting work (P = .047, OR = 0.385).

CONCLUSIONS

Musculoskeletal problems among phlebotomists were high. Therefore, the positive effects of simple ergonomic measures should be confirmed in further research.

Prevalence of laboratory-related musculoskeletal disorders among biomedical scientists

BACKGROUND

Laboratory- related musculoskeletal disorders (LMSDs) are injuries resulting from working in the laboratory. Biomedical scientists (BMSs) play an important role in any health care system. However, they are at high risk of exposure to the LMSDs.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and the associated risk factors of LMSDs among this group of healthcare professionals.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to estimate the prevalence of the LMSDs among the BMSs. BMSs with occupational or non-occupational accidents that affected their musculoskeletal system were excluded from the study. A Chi-square test was performed to measure the significant association between different risk factors (age, gender, weight, height, nationality, specialty, educational level, nature of the job, and the number of experience years) and the prevalence of the LMSDs among the BMSs.

RESULTS

The study included 83 BMSs. Females represented 63.9% and 36.1% were in the age group of 35- 44. The overall prevalence of the LMSDs was 77.1%. The most prevalent LMSDs were neck, shoulders, and lower back with 50.6%, 49.4%, and 43.4%, respectively. A total of 65.57% of BMSs had irregular symptoms of LMSDs.

CONCLUSION

The study found that the prevalence of LMSDs among the BMSs was high. Good practice and training in ergonomics may minimize the prevalence of LMSDs among the BMSs.

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Hospital Midwives in Chenzhou, Hunan Province, China and Associations with Job Stress and Working Conditions

Background

Midwives have a high risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), which are the leading cause of pain and disability. However, the association between job stress and WMSDs among midwives has not been studied. The aim of this project was to specifically describe relationships between the job stress and WMSDs among a sample of hospital midwives in Chenzhou, Hunan Province, China.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among a sample of 769 eligible midwives in the city of Chenzhou in Hunan Province, China from May 2018 to January 2019. All participants completed a questionnaire regarding the presence and severity of different pain symptoms and job stress assessed by the Korean occupational stress scale.

Results

A total of 597 participants responded (77.6%), and 491 (82.2%) reported that they had experienced WMSDs at some time over a 12-month period. The most common pain site was low back (72.7%), followed by the neck (52.8%) and shoulders (42.7%). We revealed that various aspects of job stress were associated with WMSDs in the current study, namely “Owing to my workload, I always feel time pressure” (OR, 2.05; 95% CI: 1.28–3.28), “My job has become increasingly overbearing” (OR, 2.34; 95% CI: 1.46–3.77), “My work requires long lasting concentration” (OR, 3.50; 95% CI: 2.13–5.74), “I have to do various jobs simultaneously”, (OR, 3.15; 95% CI: 1.93–5.14)), “My work requires creativity” (OR, 2.15; 95% CI: 1.31–3.54), “My work requires a high level of skill or knowledge” (OR, 2.83; 95% CI: 1.67–4.80), “My supervisor is helpful in getting the job done” (OR, 0.53; 95% CI: 0.33–0.84), “I have someone who understands my difficulties at work” (OR, 0.53; 95% CI: 0.34–0.85), “Undesirable changes (ie, downsizing) will come to my job” (OR, 3.28; 95% CI: 2.01–5.77), “My company provides me with sufficient organizational support” (OR, 0.47; 95% CI: 0.29–0.74), “Departments cooperate each other without conflicts” (OR, 0.50; 95% CI: 0.32–0.80), “I am provided with the opportunity to develop my capacity” (OR, 0.57; 95% CI: 0.36–0.91) and “My company climate is authoritative and hierarchical” (OR: 3.21; 95% CI: 1.97-5.23).

Conclusion

Overall, this study suggests that job stress has an important influence on WMSDs among a sample of hospital midwives in Chenzhou, Hunan Province, China. Given the multifaceted nature of identified risk, a comprehensive approach to reduce this risk is clearly required and a job stress management program will be essential.

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and associated risk factors among domestic gas workers and staff of works department in Enugu, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Background

The impact of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WMSS) permeates various occupations.

Objective

To compare WMSS and associated risk factors among domestic gas workers (DGWs) and staff of Works Department (SWD) in Enugu.

Methods

One-hundred adults (DGW = 50, SWD = 50) participated in this cross-sectional study. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and a demographics questionnaire were used to assess the prevalence of WMSS and related risk factors. Data were analysed using independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, and logistic regression at p < 0.05.

Results

The DGWs (86%) had a significantly (χ2 = 24.45, p < 0.001) higher WMSS than the SWD (38%). Lower-back (54%) and shoulder (52%) were the most affected body parts among the DGWs in comparison to the hips/thighs (20%) among the SWD. Work-related factors such as daily work-duration (χ2 = 75.44, p < 0.001), lifting training (χ2 = 96.24, p < 0.001), and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) of facemask (χ2 = 100.0, p < 0.001) and gloves (χ2 = 96.09, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with general WMSS among the DGWs. However, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (OR = 1.29, p = 0.018), work duration > 8 h/day (OR = 0.001, p = 0.028), female gender (OR = 6.98–10.26, p < 0.05), sleep duration < 6 h/day (OR = 0.56–0.73, p < 0.05) and poor exercise behaviour (OR = 0.15, p = 0.013) were the identified independent risk factors of WMSS among DGWs, while DBP (OR = 0.99, p = 0.012) and female gender (OR = 6.47, p = 0.032) were the only identified independent risk factors for SWD.

Conclusion

WMSS is significantly higher among DGWs than the SWD. High DBP, female gender, working beyond 8 h per day, sleeping less than 6 h per day, and insufficient exercise increase the risks of WMSDs, especially among the DGWs. To mitigate the adverse effects of WMSDs, SWD and DGWs require break and leave periods, PPE and assistive devices, exercise, medical check-up, and workplace ergonomics.

Low back pain prevalence and risk factors among health workers in Saudi Arabia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Low back pain (LBP) has a major impact on health workers, and its prevalence and risk factors among them in Saudi Arabia have been investigated previously. However, the results have never been comprehensively reviewed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available literature to identify the prevalence and risk factors of LBP among health workers in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and Saudi peer-reviewed journals were searched for relevant literature. After quality assessment of the eligible articles, 18 studies targeting seven occupational categories, with a total number of 5345 health workers, were analyzed.

RESULTS

Pooled prevalence rates of 40.8% (n = 7 studies), 65.0% (n = 13 studies), and 81.4% (n = 2 studies) were obtained for week, year, and career, respectively, across all professional groups. Nurses and physical therapists were more susceptible to LBP, in that order, than the other categories considering week and career periods. Age, body mass index, and female gender were the most commonly reported individual risk factors. Occupational risk factors mainly included work-related activities requiring back bending and twisting, lifting and pulling objects, and manual patient-handling.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this review indicate that LBP is highly prevalent among health workers in Saudi Arabia when compared with international rates. Proper prophylactic measures are necessary to reduce LBP and minimize its consequences. Further high-quality research is needed in different Saudi regions to achieve a broader understanding of LBP prevalence and causes.