Musculoskeletal Disorders at Work among Slovenian Physiotherapists: Prevalence and Risk Factors

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders at work (MSDWs) remain the most common health problem in the European Union, particularly in Slovenia, where the prevalence of MSDWs is slightly above the European average. Despite the extensive literature on MSDWs in the health sector, there is little research on physiotherapists (PTs), especially in Europe. Our previous study showed a high prevalence of MSDWs among PTs, with the lower back, neck, and shoulder being the most affected. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MSDWs among Slovenian PTs, ergonomic factors, and the association between MSDWs and demographics and MSDWs and ergonomic risk factors. METHODS: The survey covered Slovenian PTs working in different health-care settings, using a non-randomized snowball sample. 198 PTs participated, after excluding 22 incomplete questionnaires, 176 PTs remained in the final sample. Data were collected through questionnaires covering demographics, ergonomic risk factors, and the incidence of pain and discomfort in the body. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of MSDWs among 176 FTs was 97.7%. The most affected body regions were the neck (79.5%), upper back (59.2%) and lower back (51.7%). The 1-year prevalence of MSDWs was 94.9%, with the highest prevalence in the upper back (69.3%), neck (66.5%) and lower back (64.3%). The study identified a weak negative association between the prevalence of MSDWs and factors such as age, working life, and job satisfaction across various body regions. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the survey confirm a high prevalence of MSDWs among Slovenian PTs, which is comparable to European surveys. Key risk factors include ergonomic load and demographic variables. These data highlight the need to improve working conditions and ergonomic measures in physiotherapy practice. The study contributes to a better understanding of MSDWs among PTs in Slovenia and provides a basis for further research and interventions to reduce the risk of MSDWs.