Modeling of risk factors leading to workrelated musculoskeletal disorders in medical practitioners

Abstract

Growing globalization and industrialization in the last few decades have significantly increased occupational-related health issues among the workforce. Multiple studies conducted under occupational safety and health have firmly established the association between physical and occupational factors and the pathogenesis of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study investigates the interrelationship between risk factors associated with WMSDs, as no studies in the past have attempted to probe so diligently. Eight major potential risk factors were identified through a Delphi study, and their interrelationships were identified using interpretative structural modeling (ISM), showing their driving power and dependence. The established risk factors’ influence and co-dependence were analyzed using the Matriced Impacts Croises Appliquee an un Classement (MICMAC) analysis. The study's findings show that organizational-level factors such as ‘organizational culture’ and ‘repetitive tasks’ have the highest driving factor, followed by ‘prolonged exposure to a given task’ and ‘time and work demands. The organizational level factors drive the physical factors, namely ‘prolonged static postures’ and ‘awkward posture’, that in turn drives the job-related factors such as job satisfaction and work-related stress. A possible risk mitigation strategy to reduce musculoskeletal discomfort in healthcare practitioners is proposed. Future studies may formulate ergonomic adaptations based on this study to alleviate the risk hazards. Understanding the interrelationship among the risk factors would help healthcare organizations prioritize their employment policies and efficiently manage their workforce, successfully leading to WMSDs attenuation and enhancing the quality of life in medical practitioners.