REPORTED MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS AMONG LABORATORY WORKERS, IN RELATION TO INDIVIDUAL AND WORK-RELATED PHYSICAL FACTORS.

Abstract

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are deliberated as an important cause of occupational disability in industrial countries. It is responsible for a high absenteeism rate from work. Laboratory technicians and biochemist are suffering from some workplace risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders such as shoulder and backache, joint pain and muscles fatigue, which are intensified by work settings. Aim of work: This study aimed to examine the musculoskeletal symptoms prevalence among the laboratory workers in relation to their individual and work-related physical factors. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 269 laboratory workers who were working in a research medical laboratory, Saudi Arabia, during the period from May to December 2016. The data were collected using a questionnaire on personal demographic characteristics, workload, and physical features at work. Both Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (DMQ) were used to evaluate the ergonomic risk factors and to study the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among the participants. Results: The study revealed that the total 12 months prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms at anybody site of the laboratory workers, preceding the study, was 52.04%. The reported musculoskeletal symptoms were mostly linked to the shoulders (33.5%), low back (27.5%), upper back (26.5%), followed by neck (23.0%). About three quarters of those who had musculoskeletal symptoms were female (p < 0.01). Among the physical work-related factors, activity necessitating exertion of arms/hands, static or awkward positions during work, long periods pipetting and repetitive tasks were significantly higher among those who reported musculoskeletal symptoms compared to those who did not. Conclusion: Nearly half of the laboratory workers reported annual prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms affecting mostly shoulders, low back, upper back and neck. Ergonomic interventions, reducing risk factors and physical exercises are recommended control measures to reduce the musculoskeletal symptoms among the laboratory workers.