Abstract
ObjectiveStudies from industrialized countries show that musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) occur commonly in sonographers. However, little is known about sonographers in China, where the awareness of ergonomics and MSD, workload, and available equipment/facilities may differ. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of MSD and associated risk factors in sonographers in central China.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted with 381 sonographers from 14 randomly selected tertiary hospitals in Hubei province, central China. Musculoskeletal symptoms (using the Nordic Questionnaire) and risk factors (mostly derived from the Health Benefit Trust survey instrument and the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire) were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression was used to quantify associations between risk factors and MSD.ResultsThe 12-month period prevalence of MSD was 98.3%, being highest in the neck (93.5%) and shoulder (92.2%), followed by the lower back (83.2%), wrist/hand, upper back, and elbow. Factors contributing to neck pain were psychological fatigue, shoulder abduction and trunk bend-and-twist posture. Height-adjustable tables and chairs were protective factors. Shoulder pain was associated with female sex, health status, mental stress, shoulder abduction, and trunk bend-and-twist posture. Height-adjustable chairs and the awareness of adjusting the workstation before scanning were protective factors. Elbow pain was associated with health status and height-adjustable tables. Wrist/hand pain was associated with female sex, bending the wrist, and working with obese patients. Upper back pain was associated with shoulder abduction, height-adjustable chairs, and device location. Lower back pain was associated with the number of scans performed per day, awkward postures, bending the trunk, twisting or bending the neck forward, and using a footrest.ConclusionsThis study suggests a high prevalence of MSD in sonographers in central China. Hence, it is necessary to improve the awareness of MSD by training, and the ergonomics of their current work environment by addressing physical workload, and psychological and equipment/facility-related factors.
Highlights
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are one of the most important occupational health issues in healthcare workers [1], among sonographers [2]
This study suggests a high prevalence of MSD in sonographers in central China
It is necessary to improve the awareness of MSD by training, and the ergonomics of their current work environment by addressing physical workload, and psychological and equipment/ facility-related factors
Summary
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are one of the most important occupational health issues in healthcare workers [1], among sonographers [2]. A few studies have reported a high prevalence of MSD among health professionals in China, such as dentists, nurses, surgeons, and physicians, with prevalence ranging from 67.5–88.0% [9,10,11,12,13,14]. International studies on MSD in sonographers have been conducted in Canada, the USA, and Europe. These studies reported a prevalence ranging from 63–98%, and revealed consistently high frequencies worldwide of shoulder, neck, wrist, and back disorders A comprehensive survey by Pike et al [15], conducted throughout Canada and the USA, revealed that 81% of the sampled sonographers experienced MSD while scanning, with the neck (75%), shoulders (74%), and wrists (65%) identified as the most affected body regions. Evans et al [16] conducted a comparative study with a higher number of respondents, and found that shoulder pain (75%) was the most common complaint, with older and more experienced sonographers reporting finger, hand, and wrist pain more frequently
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