NECK AND UPPER LIMB PAIN AMONG GYNECOLOGISTS WORKING AT MENOUFIA GOVERNORATE IN EGYPT

Abstract

Introduction: Little attention was paid to explore the prevalence of neck and upper limb pain among gynecologists particularly those who perform laparoscopic procedures.Aim of work: To assess the frequency of pain in the neck and upper limbs among gynecologists working at Menoufia governorate in Egypt and to explore common risk factors. Materials and methods: A pre-designed questionnaire was sent to 642 gynecologists who worked at Menoufia governorate in Egypt; 583 were returned (90.8%). Descriptive and analytical statistical analyses were performed to assess the frequency of pain in neck and upper limb and to detect their risk factors. Results: Among 583 gynecologists, 293 (50.3%) were male and 290 (49.7%) were females; age ranged from 27 to 60 years old, out of them 315 (54.03%) experienced neck and/or upper limb pain. Most of the affected participants experience pain 1-2 times/week (80.6%), received medical treatment for pain (92.7%), applied for sick leave 1-2 times/month (77.1%) and taught that attaining certain posture while operating is the main cause of their pain (73.3%). Age above 45 years (odd’s ratio 1.45), clinical practice over 15 years, laparoscopic procedures (odd’s ratio 1.88), more than ten operations per week (odd’s ratio 2.78) and operations took more than one hour (odd’s ratio 2.10) increase the risk for developing neck and/or upper limb pain. Conclusion: This study revealed that neck and/or upper limb pain is common among gynecologic laparoscopists. Adoption of ergonomic posture and decreasing working hours when performing laparoscopic procedures may help to minimize the risk of a work-related pain. Future research should explore the implementation of ergonomic guidelines and correlation with subsequent improvement of outcome.