Musculoskeletal Disorders among Medical Laboratory Professionals-A Prevalence Study

Abstract

Background: Work –related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) have been reported very often in various occupations. Laboratory personnel are also exposed to many ergonomic risk factors due to the nature of their work. As their work demands awkward and static postures, high repetition, excessive force, excessive reaching, compression or contact stress, forceful or static exertions, lifting and pinch grip lifting, and repetitive motions, they may be at increased risk for work related musculoskeletal disorder which is often ignored. So the study was aimed at estimating the prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders among laboratory professionals. Methods: It was a cross sectional study done on 250 laboratory professionals (lab technicians, pathologists, microbiologists, biochemistry technologist) in Udupi district of Karnataka state and validated questionnaire was used to screen for the symptoms. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among laboratory professionals was found to be 21.2%. The neck and lower back are observed to be the most affected with symptoms of pain and discomfort with prevalence of 8% and 6.8% respectively. Conclusion: Medical laboratory professionals are at high risk for the development of MSDs related to cumulative trauma. Thus, laboratory professionals are strongly encouraged to adopt preventive measures before symptoms develop.