Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate musculoskeletal complaints (MSC) among a complete cross-section of physicians in mainland China, for what appears to be the first time. A total of 361 doctors were surveyed (79.2% response rate), with MSC categories focussing on the neck, shoulder, upper back and lower back regions. The 12-month MSC period-prevalence at any region was 67.5%. Complaints were most commonly reported at the lower back (43.7%), followed by the neck (42.3%), shoulder (37.8%) and upper back (29.0%). Female gender was associated with an increased likelihood of MSC at any region (odds ratio, OR: 3.05). Working in the internal medicine department was associated with an increased likelihood of MSC at the neck (OR: 1.85), shoulder (OR: 2.06), upper back (OR: 2.19) and any region (OR: 2.85). Psychosocial risk factors were also identified as follows: too much overtime (OR: 2.04–2.65), high mental pressure (OR: 2.28), inadequate work support (OR: 3.62) and inadequate work discussion (OR: 3.07). Overall, our study suggests that MSC are common among Chinese physicians. The strong correlation between psychosocial factors and MSC supports an increasing body of evidence from various countries. Relevance to Industry MSC affect a wide variety of workers in the health care industry, and appear to be a particularly important problem for physicians. The sequelae from these conditions may also be important, with 3.5% of our group previously changing jobs because of an MSC. Intervention programs to help reduce physician's MSC and improve their workplace health are therefore urgently needed in Chinese hospitals.
Published Version
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