Factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders among medical and surgical residents

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to identify work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among medical and surgical residents in Saudi Arabia and the possible associated risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June, 2023 among all medical and surgical residents working in the hospitals of Riyadh Second Health Cluster in Saudi Arabia. A previously validated, published and self-administered Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was distributed. Results: Out of 120 invited participants, 82 residents (response rate of 68.33%) were included in this study. Of which, 43 (52.4%) were general surgery residents and 39 (47.6%) were internal medicine residents. The most frequently reported anatomical sites for musculoskeletal complaints in the 12 months preceding the survey were the ankle/feet (51.2%), shoulder (48.8%), lower back (48.8%), and neck (46.5%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk of having WMSDs among residents who practiced physical activity with a frequency of more than three times a week was 59% lower than those who never practiced exercise (adjusted odds ratio= 0.41; 95% confidence interval: 0.09–0.083, p = 0.003). Conclusion: A high proportion of young physicians working in general surgery or internal medicine reported WMSDs at different anatomical sites of the body. Therefore, they are recommended to attain comfortable body posture in operating/procedure rooms, perform regular physical exercise, and maintain normal body weight as preventive strategies against WMSDs.