Job strain, work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and influencing factors

Abstract

Objective: This study was to evaluate the level of job strain, work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and influencing factors on work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among cardiac sonographers. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. Ninety-six cardiac sonographers were recruited from ten hospitals located in Seoul, Busan and Daegu. Participants completed questionnaires consisting of demographic data, physical risk factors, job strain, work-related musculoskeletal symptoms, health and safety education, and health behaviors related to musculoskeletal problems. Data were analyzed using STATA 12.0 program. Results: 1) General characteristics of subjects were as follows; all 96 subjects were female and their mean age was 33.8 ± 5.5 years. Subjects’ average height was 161.4 ± 4.5 cm, average weight was 52.6 ± 4.3 kg, and average work experience in echocardiography lab was 84.1 ± 5.8 months. 2) According to the ergonomic work posture analysis, REBA score was 9.7 ± 2.9 (in 15 point scale) which is high-risk level and required immediate management. 3) Prevalence rate of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms was 84% among participants. The percentage by body part was 76% in shoulders, 58% in hands/wrists/fingers, 48% in necks, 47% in backs, 30% in arms, and 23% in legs and feet. 4) Based on multiple logistic regression analysis, significant factors affecting the symptoms were job strain (REBA score, ß = 0.066, p = 0.017), frequency of health and safety education (ß = −0.1086, p = 0.032), and hobby (ß = 0.3526, p = 0.021). Conclusion: Cardiac sonographers are vulnerable to musculoskeletal symptoms due to their job strain. To relieve these symptoms, they need an education program to prevent musculoskeletal health problems and an exercise program containing various stretching methods.