Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire Research Articles

Prevalence of Lower Back Pain and Associated Workplace and Ergonomic Factors among Mineworkers in a Nickel Mine, Zimbabwe

Lower back pain is a common occurrence among mine workers due to the nature of their work. Globally, workplace (occupational) and ergonomic risk factors have been reported to influence the prevalence of lower back pain among workers. This study aimed to determine ergonomic risk factors associated with lower back pain and associated risk factors (workplace and ergonomics) among mineworkers in a nickel mine in Zimbabwe. A cross-sectional study design was employed, and participants were randomly selected to complete a questionnaire that included the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (DMQ). A total of 420 mine workers were interviewed, with the majority being male (n = 259, 61.7%) and aged between 31 and 44 years old (n = 159, 37.9%). The study found that the prevalence of lower back pain was 41.43% (n = 174). Several risk factors were found to be associated with lower back pain, including working overtime (AOR = 1.13, p < 0.01; 95% CI: 0.07–0.22), performing repetitive tasks (AOR = 8.06, p < 0.01; 95% CI: 4.67–13.93), bending (AOR = 7.77, p < 0.01; 95% CI: 3.97–15.22), and twisting (AOR = 3.32, p < 0.01; 95% CI: 1.83–6.03). Based on these findings, it is recommended that an ergonomic risk assessment and prevention program be implemented, which should include educational awareness about lower back pain and its prevention among mine workers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND MUSCULOSKELETAL CONDITIONS OF BLACKSMITHS (PANDAY) IN ILOCOS NORTE

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between work environment and musculoskeletal conditions of blacksmiths in Ilocos Norte. Methods: This correlational research design study determined the socio-demographic profile, lifestyle, work environment, and musculoskeletal conditions of blacksmiths from Ilocos Norte using the researcher-assisted Ilokano-translated Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (DMQ). Data analyses were done using descriptive statistics and Fisher’s Exact test of independence. Alpha was set at 0.05. Results: A total of 30 blacksmiths participated in the study with mean age of 61-75 years old, male dominated (86.67%). Complaints of wrist pain were highly significant in point prevalence while low back pain in period prevalence. Further analyses revealed that sex showed high significant relationship to prevalence of upper and lower back pain. BMI also showed significant relationship to the prevalence of lower extremity pain among blacksmiths in Ilocos Norte. Discussion: The study revealed that work environment does not appear to be associated with musculoskeletal conditions of blacksmiths in Ilocos Norte. Findings of the study suggest that male blacksmiths are at a higher risk of developing musculoskeletal conditions. With this, such conditions are highly obvious in blacksmiths because of their job’s physical demands, such as heavy lifting and prolonged standing or bending. However, it is important to note that females or anyone who performs repetitive or physically demanding tasks for extended periods of time can also be at risk for these types of conditions.

PREVALENCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG IT PROFESSIONALS IN TECHNOPARK THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Musculoskeletal disorders or MSDs are soft tissue injuries caused by sudden or sustained exposure to repetitive motion, force, vibration and awkward positions. IT Professionals represent an occupational group where chances to develop MSDs are high because of their work pattern, in which they have fixed or constrained body position, continual repetition of movements, force concentrated on small parts of the body, like hand or wrist or a pace of work that does not allow sufficient recovery between movements. In India, many studies were done to evaluate the prevalence of MSDs among other occupational groups but not much among IT Professionals. This study has been carried out to determine the prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) among IT Professionals. The study design was cross sectional with information technology (IT) Professionals working in Technopark Thiruvananthapuram as the study population. The sampling method used for the survey is the simple random sampling. Data was collected using a modified version of Dutch musculoskeletal questionnaire. Chi-square (χ2) test was applied for statistical significance and associations were assessed through p value with 95% confidence interval. Prevalence of work related MSD during last 12 months, was 36.57%. The common prevalence of work related MSD reported during last 12 months based on their body region were neck (83.42), shoulders (76.57%), and back (61.71%). There was a statistically significant difference in terms of experience, sitting for long period, using key board and working in the same posture for long period. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of age, BMI, gender, education. The study has concluded that MSD is prevalent among IT Professionals working in Technopark Thiruvananthapuram..

Functional capacity of individuals with brachial plexus injury.

To enable (pain free) functioning, individuals with brachial plexus injury (BPI) may require a higher functional capacity compared to two-handed individuals, because the load on unaffected structures is greater. This study compared the functional capacity of individuals with BPI and healthy controls and explored differences in the functional capacity of BPI-affected individuals with respect to: those with and without hand function; affected and unaffected sides; with and without musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs). Six functional capacity tests adjusted for one-handed function were performed by 23 BPI-affected individuals and 20 healthy controls. Hand function was assessed through physical examination and the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to assess MSCs. Individuals with BPI scored lower for the two-handed tests, compared with the controls (p≤0.01, effect size (r) ≤-0.41 for both tests). However, both groups performed similar in the one-handed tests. On average individuals with BPI met the physical demands to perform sedentary to light physical work. Among BPI-affected individuals, two-handed overhead lifting capacity was higher in those with hand function than in those without hand function (p = 0.02; r = 0.33). Functional capacity tended to be lower for the unaffected side than for the affected side (4 tests; p≤0.05, r≤-0.36). Test results of BPI-affected Individuals with and without MSCs were similar. Individuals with BPI demonstrated lower two-handed functional capacity than healthy controls. Effect sizes were medium. Capacity of their unaffected side was similar to the dominant side of controls. No association was found between MSCs and functional capacity.

Identification of work‐related injuries among Dhokra handicraft artisans influencing sustainable growth of bell metal handicraft industry: An unorganized sector of Chhattisgarh, India

AbstractHandicraft is the backbone of rural economy of countries of South Asia and Southeast Asia. Bell metal handicraft known as “Dhokra craft,” is an important metal handicraft practiced in India. Commercialization of this craft industry has increased working hours but the business model is still cottage‐based. Manual manufacturing for commercial needs has increased incidence of hand injuries among the artisans affecting sustainable growth. The objective of this research is to find the cause of work‐related hand injuries of the artisans of bell metal handicraft industry to provide direction for future research. Occupational risk on hands were identified using Modified Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Severity of hand symptoms were assessed by Modified Boston Hand Evaluation Questionnaire. Direct observation and task analysis was further used to understand the risk involved in the job. Use of hand tools and power tools play significant role in the development of hand injuries among the artisans. Hand problems such as amputation, burning marks, loss of sensitivity, and tingling sensation were highly observed among artisans, those with experience >31 years. Experienced artisans undergo more occupational hand injuries, causing absenteeism, job turnover, and job loss. This ultimately affects the sustainable growth of the Dhokra trade community.

Assessing the impact of job demands and hazardous workload activities on musculoskeletal symptoms in stone, sand, and gravel mining operations.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and associated musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) are problematic in stone, sand, and gravel mining. Research is needed to explore relationships between job demands, work-related hazards and MSS. An exploratory study was conducted in Indiana during 2019-2020 to examine associations between job demands, work-related hazards and MSS. Through convenience sampling, cross-sectional survey data from 459 workers were collected and analyzed using logistic multiple and binary logistic regression methods. Outcome variables were MSS to the low back, neck/shoulder, and wrist/hand. Predictor variables and MSS measures are based on the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Increased odds of low back MSS were related to dynamic loads (OR = 2.14), pushing/pulling heavy loads (OR = 1.56), torso bending or twisting (OR = 2.36), bent, stooped, or twisted posture (OR = 2.04), uncomfortable postures (OR = 2.07), repetition (OR = 1.67) and vibrating tools (OR = 1.81). Increased odds of neck/shoulder MSS were related to dynamic loads (OR = 1.83), static loads (OR = 1.24), heavy lifting (OR = 1.50), pushing/pulling heavy loads (OR = 1.68), bending or twisting of the neck (OR = 1.82), twisted neck posture (OR = 1.77) and uncomfortable postures (OR = 1.81). Increased odds of wrist/hand MSS were related to dynamic loads (OR = 2.06), static loads (OR = 1.45), bending or twisting of the wrists/hands (OR = 10.52), extended reaching (OR = 3.05), repetition (OR = 5.25), awkward postures (OR = 4.47), working above shoulder level (OR = 2.47), and vibrating tools (OR = 1.78). Hazards that increased the likelihood of MSS were identified. These hazards should be abated or controlled to prevent MSDs in stone, sand, and gravel mining. More applied research, including ergonomic assessments to further identify hazards that can be controlled or abated, is warranted.

Occupational ergonomic assessment of hand pain symptoms among Bagh hand block print artisans of the handicraft textile industry in Madhya Pradesh, India

Objectives. Hand block printing is a highly repetitive and precision job involving tasks such as hitting the wooden hand block with the hands as a hammer, causing chronic mechanical trauma to the ulnar side of the palm. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of work-related hand symptoms, to identify ergonomic risks and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and evidence of mechanical trauma among artisans working in Bagh print of Madhya Pradesh. Methods. Occupational risk involved in the artisan’s wrist area was identified using the modified Dutch musculoskeletal questionnaire (MDMQ) and modified Boston hand evaluation questionnaire. The Boston hand evaluation questionnaire helps in the measurement of the severity of the symptoms. A direct observation study was performed to identify the chronic effects of mechanical trauma (CEMT) on artisan’s hands. Results. Symptoms like pain, weakness, numbness and tingling were highly prevalent among the artisans, those with experience <3 years were more likely to report pain during working hours (p < 0.001) and those with experience >13 years were more likely to report numbness (p < 0.001) and tingling (p < 0.001). Conclusion. This study supports the evidence that the new artisans are at higher risks of reporting pain and CEMT, including fever and body pain, ultimately causing job loss.

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Association of Patterns and Physical Risk Factors with Musculoskeletal Disorders among Academicians in Saudi Arabia.

Background Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are considered one of the most common health issues in working population and have a high social and economic impact. This study is aimed at determining the MSD patterns and associated risk factors among higher education academicians in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among higher education academicians, randomly selected from different universities within Saudi Arabia. A sample of 207 academicians participated in the present study from different faculties such as nursing, applied medical sciences, pharmacy, dentistry, computer science, science, and engineering for a period of 1 year. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ-E) was used to assess the MSD patterns and prevalence for the different parts of the body regions, and the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (DMQ) was used to determine the physical risk factors associated with the working conditions in the higher academic occupations. Descriptive statistics and the Pearson chi-squared test were used for data analysis. Results The overall prevalence rate was 42.5%, and the pattern of body parts involved was almost similar on both study variables, i.e., descending from the lower back (31.9%), followed by the neck (26.1%), knees (21.3%), shoulder (16.9%), upper back (13%), ankle and foot (10.1%), wrist and hand (7.2%), and elbow (6.3%), and the least common observed region was the hip and thigh (2.4%). The physical risk factors and its association with the body regions based on DMQ related to workload, period of use, and repetitive movements were observed in the wrist and hand (43%), followed by the neck (42%) and trunk (21%). Conclusion The study demonstrated that the MSDs are lower among the higher academic occupations. However, the most common MSDs observed in this group of subjects are the back, neck, and knee pain, and it is found that some of the lifetime physical activities also have a significant association with these involved body regions.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH LOWER BACK PAIN AMONG WORKERS IN A CHEMICAL FERTILIZER FACTORY

Most available data on the prevalence and characteristics of low back pain (LBP) are reported in developed countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of LBP and potential risk factors among a group of workers in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 170 workers in a fertilizer company in Malaysia. The sample comprised both blue- and white-collar workers. A set of questionnaires consisting of sociodemographic items, the NORDIC musculoskeletal questionnaire and the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used for this study. The main analysis conducted was a multivariate logistic regression. Results showed that a total of 40% of workers experienced LBP. Compared to workers younger than 30 years of age, the risk of LBP was 8 times higher among those over 50 years of age. In addition, workers who were moderately stressed at work had a risk of LBP that was almost five times higher, and workers who did not have awkward posture for a long period of time had an 80% lower risk of LBP. In a multivariate logistic regression, after adjusting for sociodemographic variables, it was found that less repetitive work, shorter sustained positions and less frequent lifting of heavy objects prevented LBP. After the final adjustment including all other variables, only engaging in repetitive work was associated with LBP. In conclusion, each workplace should ensure that older workers, especially those who are working in stressful environments, are prevented from engaging in repetitive work, sustaining prolonged awkward postures and lifting heavy objects.

Prevalence of neck/shoulder pain among public hospital workers in China and its associated factors: a cross-sectional study

Studies have reported that neck and/or shoulder pain (NSP) was prevalent and a non-ignorable occupational health problem in healthcare providers. Considering data deficiency on NSP, we aimed to investigate the prevalence and sick leave absence of NSP among public hospital workers in Shandong, China and to explore the associated factors for chronic NSP. A self-administered questionnaire including the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was filled in by 30,520 hospital workers in 37 hospitals selected randomly from among all public hospitals of Shandong, China. The 12-month prevalence of NSP lasting for at least 3 months and sick leave absence due to NSP among 29,547 public hospital workers was 15.6% and 11.4%, respectively, most frequently reported in tertiary hospital workers (27.4% and 18.9%) and clinicians (19.1% and 15.2%). Log-binomial regression analysis revealed that chronic NSP was significantly associated with hospital level, employment position, contract/temporary employment status (vs. permanent), workload (long work hours per week), ergonomic factors (bending the neck forward for long periods of time, twisting the neck for long periods of time) and computer-related factors (prolonged computer-using time daily, the keyboard too close to the edge of the desk).

Occupational health status of High School teachers in Tirur educational District ws.r. to musculoskeletal disorders –A Cross sectional study

A cross sectional study was carried out among 140 high school teachers selected from 4 sub educational districts of Tirur educational district through multistage sampling. Both sexes were included in the study. The tool used for the study was Dutch musculoskeletal questionnaire and filled up by personal interview. The data obtained was statistically analyzed by using Chi square test, Yates correction and Fisher’s exact test. Most reported musculoskeletal complaints were knee pain (43%), shoulder pain (34%), Lower back pain (23%) and ankle pain (22%). This study shows that musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent among high school teachers of Tirur educational district. Musculoskeletal disorders are associated with factors such as age, gender and occupational factors such as prolonged standing and overtime work.

Validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Dutch musculoskeletal questionnaire

Validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Dutch musculoskeletal questionnaire

The investigation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among female workers in a hazelnut factory: Prevalence, working posture, work-related and psychosocial factors

BackgroundWork-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are the most common occupational health problems in the industrialized world. The identification of WMSDs specific to occupation is essential to plan and implement preventative programs. This study investigated the prevalence of WMSDs and determined the factors related to the severity of the most common disorders among female workers in a hazelnut factory. MethodsA total of 114 female workers were examined in this cross-sectional study using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and an author-developed questionnaire (for socio-demographic characteristics and psychosocial factors). Working posture, craniovertebral angle, thoracic kyphosis angle (TKA), and lumbar lordosis angle were evaluated based on a photogrammetry method using the ImageJ program. ResultsThe prevalence of WMSDs in at least one body part during the last 12 months was 92.1%. The highest prevalence of WMSDs was in the lower back (61.4%), neck (57.9%), shoulder (53.6%), and upper back (45.6%). The least affected part was the elbow. Lower back, shoulder, and neck disorders were the most common causes of activity limitation. The severity of lower back pain was associated with stress in the workplace and work-related factors. The neck pain severity was related to craniovertebral angle and work-related factors. The shoulder pain severity increased with TKA and employment duration. TKA was related to upper back pain severity. ConclusionsWMSDs are common among female workers in a hazelnut factory. Reorganizing of working posture, work-related factors, and stress at work may be beneficial to decrease the prevalence of WMSDs and pain severity.Relevance to Industry; The female workers in the hazelnut factory are vulnerable to the work-related musculoskeletal disorders, particularly in the spinal region. The employers should endeavor to improve the health of the workers by the adjustment of the working posture and environmental factors.

Low back pain in emergency ambulance workers in tertiary hospitals in China and its risk factors among ambulance nurses: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveLow back pain (LBP) could cause serious consequences and has been shown to be prevalent among emergency ambulance workers. Studies on the prevalence of and risk factors for LBP among...

Prevalence and associated factors of musculoskeletal disorders among Chinese healthcare professionals working in tertiary hospitals: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are prevalent in working populations and could result in a number of detrimental consequences. In China, healthcare professionals (HCP) in large hospitals may be likely to suffer from MSDs considering the facts of shortages in medical staff, the large Chinese population base, the aging of the population and patients’ inclination to go to large hospitals. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with MSDs among HCP working in tertiary hospitals.MethodsA self-administered questionnaire incorporating the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was conducted among 14,720 HCP in eight tertiary hospitals selected by random cluster sampling in Shandong, China. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to quantify the association of psychological, ergonomic, organizational and individual factors with MSDs.ResultsThe 12-month period prevalence rate of experiencing an MSD in at least one body region for at least 24 h, experiencing an MSD for at least three months, and seeking health care for this condition were 91.2, 17.1 and 68.3%, respectively; these rates were highest for the lower back (72.8, 14.3, 60.3%) and knees (65.7, 8.1, 46.7%), followed by the shoulders (52.1, 6.2, 38.9%), neck (47.6, 4.8, 32.6%), wrists/hands (31.1, 3.2, 23.1%), ankles/feet (23.6, 1.9, 13.4%), upper back, hips/thighs and elbows.MSDs were associated with workload (work hours per week, break times during workday), psychological factors (psychological fatigue, mental stress), employment status and ergonomic factors. Regarding the ergonomic factors, lower back MSDs were associated with bending the trunk frequently, heavy or awkward lifting, and bending or twisting the neck; knee MSDs were associated with walking or standing for long periods of time; and shoulder MSDs were associated with maintaining shoulder abduction for long periods of time and bending or twisting the neck.ConclusionsMSDs among HCP in tertiary hospitals in Mainland China were highly prevalent. The many factors listed above should be considered in the prevention of MSDs in HCP.

Validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Dutch musculoskeletal questionnaire.

Background: Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (DMQ) is used to examine physical and environmental risk factors and to identify high-risk groups for exposure to the risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders at workplace. The aim of this study was to develop the Persian version of the DMQ and to assess its psychometric properties. Methods: This study was conducted on 212 employees of Gas Transmission Company. Using a standard forward-backward translation procedure, the English version of the questionnaire was translated into Persian and culturally adapted. Content validity was established by 10 expert opinions. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used for the statistical analysis of reproducibility. Kuder-Richardson-20 was used for internal consistency and confirmatory factor analysis for structural validity. Results: This study revealed high internal consistency and good test-retest reliability for the Persian version of the questionnaire. The means of the content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI) for the total 35 items of the questionnaire were 0.96 and 0.91, respectively. The internal consistency of the factors was satisfactory, ranging from 0.83 to 0.88. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the existence of 7 factors in the questionnaire and an acceptable fit for the Persian version of the DMQ. Conclusion: The Persian version of the DMQ has acceptable psychometric properties. Thus, it can be used as a valid instrument to assess workload and to identify high-risk groups of musculoskeletal disorders at workplace.

PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF MUSCULOSKELETAL COMPLAINTS AMONG NURSES OF MANSOURA UNIVERSITY CHILDREN HOSPITAL

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are described as discomforts experienced by the worker on the musculoskeletal and neurovascular systems. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, nurses are in the 10 major occupations which have the high risk of work-related musculoskeletal disease. It is more relevant in less-developed countries because of prolonged hospital stays and increased patient loads. Aim of work: To estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints and its associated factors among nurses. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study with comparative component was conducted among nurses working in Mansoura Children University Hospital during the period from January to May 2017. Data was collected using a questionnaire included personal, past and occupational histories. Furthermore, a Nordic Questionnaire was used to examine the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among the participants. Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was employed to study the possible associated ergonomic factors. Results: The prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among nurses was 85.9 % .The most common sites were elbow (85.2%) followed by pelvis/thigh (74.9%) and wrist (64.6%). Surprisingly the least site for pain was low back pain (37%). This prevalence was statistically lower among age group (30- <40 years old) compared to younger age group (80.0% versus 91.2%). It increased for continuous working ≥ 6 hours and shift work with adjusted odds ratio (2.59, 2.19; respectively). Conclusion: Nearly 86% of the pediatric nurses reported 1-year prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints affecting mostly elbow, pelvis/thigh and wrists/hands. Ergonomic assessment and preventive intervention should be conducted to decrease the prevalence through improving associated occupational factors and implementing preventing programs as manual handling techniques.

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

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.

Work related musculoskeletal disorders among surgeons working in a tertiary care hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are common work-related health problems affecting professionals in many sectors. Surgeons are among the most vulnerable as they have to work for long hours in unfavorable posture. Objective: Aim of this study was to determine both prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders and types of ailments among surgeons of different sub-specialties in a tertiary care hospital in Kathmandu. Methods: In This cross sectional study was conducted in Bir Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Kathmandu. A total of 50 surgeons of different sub-specialties were surveyed. Self-reported questionnaires included i) socio-demographic information, ii) Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire on ergonomic hazards and iii) Nordic musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire on pain and discomfort. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Result: Respondents were 40 male and 10 female surgeons with mean age of 38.9 years. Forty-four respondents (88%) reported that their job usually require them to stand for long hours, and41 (82%) also reported that they would work in the same posture for long period of time. In addition, 43 (86%) also reported that they would have to bend their trunk slightly during their job. Thirty-five respondents (70%) reported having at least one musculoskeletal disorder. Twenty-three (65.7%) surgeons had to miss their job at least once during last 12 month of which nineteen (54.3%) missed them in last 7 days.Conclusion: This survey showed that various musculoskeletal ailments were common among surgeons of all sub-specialties in our hospital which is likely one of the common and a serious occupational hazards in this population.

Musculoskeletal symptoms and physical risk factors among automobile mechanics in Dhaka, Bangladesh

The occupational health and safety service is still in the developing stage. In Bangladesh, this service is merely focused on welfare for the garments workers. Statistics on musculoskeletal symptoms prevalence and risk factors analysis for any occupational group can assist to develop ergonomic based prevention and intervention programs. However, there is no information available about the musculoskeletal symptoms prevalence amongst automobile mechanics in Bangladesh. The aim of study is to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and reveal association with physical risk factors among automobile mechanics. This cross-sectional study was performed with 100 automobile workers conveniently selected from different automobile workshop of Dhaka Division (Savar and Gabtoli) of Bangladesh. The short version of Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence and associated physical risk factors. Furthermore, the Rapid Entire Body Assessment was used to identify the physical risk level of musculoskeletal symptoms. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms during the last 12 months preceding data collection was reported at 77%. The most affected body parts were lower back (67%) then the hip (53%). Socio-demographic and physical risk factors were significantly (p&lt;0.05) associated with reported musculo-skeletal symptoms. It is highly concerning issue for employing occupational health and safety program for those workers.South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.6(1) 2016: 8-13