Abstract
Medical staff in the department of obstetrics and gynecology are a group of professionals reportedly at high risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD), however, little is known about the current status of this problem in China. The aim of this study was to investigate prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among this population in China. A self-developed questionnaire was distributed to 1017 obstetrics and gynecology practitioners to collect information on musculoskeletal symptoms and relevant factors. Prevalence and severity of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in different parts of the body were calculated and the relationship between personal and ergonomic factors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders was analyzed using Chi-square test and unconditional logistic regression models. The results indicated a high prevalence of 85.5% among the subjects, with the shoulder (n = 575, 62.0%), neck (n = 560, 60.3%) and lower back (n = 504, 54.3%) being the three most affected regions. Individual, postural, work-environmental as well as psychosocial factors were recognized to be associated with WMSDs in different body parts. Therefore, attention must be given to the problem of musculoskeletal disorders among Chinese obstetrics and gynecology staff. It is recommended to develop good life habits, improve work environment, adjust work organization as well as train on proper postures in their daily operation.
Highlights
Obstetrics and gynecology practitioners are a group of working population affected by work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs)
Our findings revealed that WMSDs prevalence among obstetrics and gynecology staff was 85.5%, which was similar to the reported rate of 86.7% in research by Kim-Fine et al [1], but rather high compared with many other vocations [17,18]
Our study revealed that some personal factors as well as ergonomic factors were associated with prevalence of WMSDs even after mutual adjustment for each other, underscoring the multifactorial nature of WMSDs in this population
Summary
Obstetrics and gynecology practitioners are a group of working population affected by work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Their daily duties include but are not limited to practicing office-based procedures, carrying out surgeries and offering nursing care [1]. In these process, they have to meet the requirements of physical strength and professional knowledge [2], at the same time, they are exposed to fierce competition and tense physician-patient relationship [3]. The majority of them are exposed to poor ergonomic environment, which make them prone to musculoskeletal problems [1]. Public Health 2017, 14, 562; doi:10.3390/ijerph14060562 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
