Occurrence Of Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Articles

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among Jordanian physiotherapists: Prevalence and risk factors.

Musculoskeletal complaints associated with work are common health problems among physiotherapists due to overload exposure and unsuitable postures. To assess work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among Jordanian physiotherapists and investigate the factors that might increase the risk of having WMSDs among physiotherapists by using the ICF model as a guiding framework. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 139 physiotherapists. Participants' ages ranged from 23 to 61 years with 53.2% who identified as female. To assess WMSDs the Quick Exposure Check was used. Furthermore, depression, sleep, social support and job satisfaction were all assessed using Beck Depression Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, respectively. Furthermore, age, gender, body mass index (BMI), educational level, smoking status and marital status were also collected from all participants. The results showed that the most common musculoskeletal complaints were as follows: 100% of the participants reported overload occurrence in the cervical spine, 97.9% in the lumbar spine, 96.5% in the shoulder joint, and 24.1% in the wrist joint. There was a significant negative correlation between total exposure and gender. Also, total exposure was significantly and positively correlated with BMI and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ). This study suggests a need to increased knowledge of self-protection strategies among physiotherapists to reduce the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. Understanding the factors that might increase WMSDs is useful for future research, quality improvement, and educational programs to reduce the rates of WMSDs among physiotherapists.

Musculoskeletal risk factors assessment based on exploratory factor analysis and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process

The occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is increasing significantly. It is crucial to understand risk factors to reduce MSD problems. This study aims to identify the possible risk factors and investigate each risk factor’s role in developing MSD problems. Twenty-five risk factors for MSD problems have been identified through a systematic literature review and consultation with experts. These risk factors are further classified into five groups using Explorative Factor Analysis (EFA). They are personal, biomechanical, workplace, psychological, and organizational. The authors have employed the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to prioritize the risk factors. The top five significant risk factors are working posture, repetitive motion, layout, anthropometry, and vibration. This study can contribute significantly to existing literature since it has scientifically classified risk factors into five major groups. In addition, this study has practical implications. This study will be helpful for the decision makers to prepare an effective plan to reduce musculoskeletal problems within their industries or organizations.

THE RELATIONSHIP OF PROLONGED SITTING DUE TO ONLINE LEARNING TO MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS (MSDS) IN MUHAMMADIYAH SMA STUDENTS, PALEMBANG CITY

Introduction : Prolonged sitting is a sedentary activity for a long time characterized by low energy consumption in combination with movements in a sitting or lying position. Online learning can be one of the causes of this condition because during learning, students sit for about two-thirds of working hours and their sitting period usually lasts at least 30 minutes. Objective : This study aims to determine the relationship between prolonged sitting and musculosceletal disorders (MSDs) in Muhammadiyah high school students in Palembang. Methods: This type of research is a survey with a descriptive quantitative approach, using a Cross Sectional analytic method. Collecting data through the distribution of jotform questionnaires to students of SMA Muhammadiyah Palembang City. Results: Hypothesis test results obtained p value = 0.005, it can be concluded that there is a difference in the proportion of events between prolonged sitting and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Conclusion: the results of this study found a relationship between prolonged sitting due to online learning and the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This research recommendation can be continued with research using a more specific MSDs measurement instrument

État des lieux du risque de survenue de troubles musculosquelettiques dans une unité de production

In 2018, according to the latest report from the French National Cancer Institute (INCa), approximately 400,000 new cases of cancer in France were identified. Fifty-four percent were represented by men and 46% by women. The number of new cases increased between 2010 and 2018 (+6,000 cases for men and 23,000 for women). Hospital pharmacies caring for cancer patients must absorb this flow without having additional human resources or without being able to increase the capacity of the chemotherapy reconstitution unit. And this always while ensuring a quality according to the legal requirements. This increase of activity and the centralization of chemotherapy preparations bring with it new problems: musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The objective of this work is, through the improvement of work quality, to prevent and monitor the appearance of MSDs in pharmacy technician team. Initially, using the Nordic questionnaire, an inventory of the pain and genes felt by the staff according to location and duration was conducted with pharmacy technician team. Secondly, an assessment of the risk of occurrence of MSDs in the pharmacy technician team according to the tasks performed was carried out using the Borg CR10 scale and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) checklist. The prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints over the last twelve months and the last seven days within the sample was highest for the wrists/hands (67% and 56%) and head/neck (56% and 33%). The severity index of musculoskeletal problems at work was 50% for the elbow region and 33% for the wrist/hand region. According to the OSHA checklist, the workstations for the preparation of cytotoxics and the workstations for the preparation of analgesics intended for the intrathecal route obtained a score greater than 5, which is equivalent to a risk of occurrence of MSDs. On the positions evaluated using Borg's CR10 scale, the following body regions saw a significant increase in the strain felt after a day of production: head/neck (P-value 0.04), upper back (P-value 0.03), lower back (P-value 0.03) and legs (0.04). This work made it possible to produce a map of the body regions affected, to identify the positions at risk and to assess the level of risk. Several approaches have been defined to prevent MSDs for the pharmacy technician team. Staff training, by one of the physiotherapists, in muscle warm-ups before a production day is planned. In the continuity of this approach, an expertise by an ergonomist, which could not be carried out due to the health situation and the preventive measures would be essential in order to put in place additional preventive and curative actions.

The Prevalence and Development of Neck and Lower Back Pain and Associated Factors in Dentistry Students-A Long-Term Prospective Study.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent a significant occupational burden for dentists and dentistry students. This study aimed to assess the five-year development of most common musculoskeletal complaints among dentistry students during the whole length of their studies and to analyze the impact of some potentially associated risk factors. A longitudinal questionnaire survey regarding the occurrence of MSDs was conducted among a total of 73 dentistry students between 2014 and 2021. The same students enrolled in three consecutive years were monitored throughout their entire studies. Statistical analysis was performed using methods of descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, McNemar test, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The most frequent areas of complaints were neck (61.6%) and lower back (49.3%). The increase in self-reported complaints between the first and the fifth year was statistically significant for neck pain (increase by 15%, p = 0.043) but not for lower back pain (by 6.8%, p = 0.44). According to our data, age, performing top-level sport, and participating in regular sporting activities had a statistically significant influence on neck and/or back pain. The results of this longitudinal prospective study showed that neck, as well as lower back pain, are significant problems for dentistry students.

Ergonomic Assessment Method of Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Disorders Associated with Sitting Postures

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are associated with sitting postures. The assessment and prevention of risk factors for workplace exposure are indispensable aspects of reducing the occurrence of MSDs. This paper proposes an ergonomic assessment method of risk factors for MSDs associated with sitting postures in the actual working conditions. A Kinect sensor with the RULA method was primarily used to collect the data and evaluate the relevant postures. The results obtained were compared with the evaluation results by a human expert. Additionally, we verified the capability and effectiveness of this method. A program system for human joint recognition and acquisition was implemented. The results indicated that the Kinect joint data is generally accurate and can adequately complete the RULA evaluation table. The results from the front and right-hand side obtained by the Kinect were consistent with the results of the expert evaluation, and no significant difference was observed between them ([Formula: see text]). However, when the participants faced the Kinect, the sensor performed better, and the evaluation result was more accurate. A high consistency was observed between the evaluation results obtained from the front and the expert (proportion agreement [Formula: see text], Cohen’s [Formula: see text]). Only a slight consistency was observed between the evaluation results obtained from the right-hand side and the expert (proportion agreement [Formula: see text], Cohen’s [Formula: see text]). This research created a new ergonomic method for the risk assessment of MSDs associated with sitting postures. The combination of theory and practice is crucial in the risk assessment of sitting postures in workplaces.

MUSKULOSKELETEAL DISORDER (MSD's) PADA PEKERJA KANTORAN DI SURABAYA

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are disorders of the musculoskeletal system caused or aggravated by interactions in the work environment. The musculoskeletal system consists of muscles, connective tissue, tendons, joints, ligaments and the nervous system. Musculoskeletal complaints occur in the skeletal muscles experienced by a person ranging from mild complaints to very severe complaints. Several factors that can trigger the occurrence of MSDs are years of work, body mass index (BMI), and the habit of not doing exercise. This research was conducted to determine the level of risk of MSDs in workers in Surabaya. The method used is descriptive research. The workers were given informed consent, after agreeing to take part in the research, the workers were asked to fill out a questionnaire via a google form and the results of the questionnaire were recapitulated and processed into descriptive data. Research on MSDs involved 101 respondents consisting of 31 women and 70 men who had jobs as office workers, health workers, and housewives. Based on the research that has been done, the results obtained are as many as 88 (87.1%) respondents have a low risk of experiencing MSDs while as many as 13 (12.9%) respondents have a moderate risk of experiencing MSDs. To avoid the occurrence of MSDs, workers are expected to be able to stretch in between jobs and be able to modify work tools so that workers can work in an ergonomic position.
 
 Keywords: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs); musculoskeletal

Investigation of the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders at shoulder, neck and elbow of digestive endoscopy operators

Objective: To investigate the effect of endoscopic operation volume on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of shoulder, neck and elbow. Methods: From December 2019 to March 2020, random sampling was used to select 200 gastroenterologists from hospitals at or above the municipal level in Sichuan Province as the research object. Gastroenterologists were divided into 108 eadoscop in the low operation group (The operation volume is less than 5 000 cases) and 92 eadoscop in the high operation group (The operation volume is more than 5 000 cases) according to the operation volume. MSDS was investigated by UCLA shoulder scoring system, Tanaka Jingjiu cervical spondylosis scale and improved An and Morrey elbow scoring system, and the chi-square test was used to compare the basic conditions of different body parts in the two groups. The basic condition of each part of the two groups was tested and compared. Results: Compared with the low operation group, the age and working years of the high operation group were longer, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The most painful part between the two groups was the shoulder, accounting for 25.9% (28/108) and 37.0% (34/92), respectively. Occasional shoulder pain was the most (41.9%, 26/62) and normal function was the most (32.3%, 20/62) ; The forward flexion angle exceeds 150° at most (40.3%, 25/62). Slight pain often occurred in the neck, accounting for 57.7% (15/26), the occasional impact of pain on the upper limbs accounted for 61.5% (16/26), and the impact on the fingers accounted for 53.8% (14/26) ; 65.0% (15/26) had mild disturbance to the sense of signs; Normal tendon reflex accounted for 88.5% (23/26) ; The influence of opponents was weakness, discomfort and no dysfunction, accounting for 53.8% (14/26) ; Endoscopists with normal muscle strength (2 points) and mild decline accounted for 50.0% (13/26) respectively, and there was no significant difference among the groups (P=0.234、1.000、1.000、0.050、0.680、0.539、0.431、0.239). The elbow score scale showed that mild loss accounted for 55.0% (11/20), mild instability accounted for 65% (13/20), and mild pain accounted for 55.0% (11/20) . Conclusion: MSDs is a health problem faced by endoscopists, and targeted preventive measures should be taken for its possible causes.

The implementation of anthropometric measurement in designing the ergonomics work furniture

The productivity of an employee has a crucial role for the company. The higher the level of productivity, the higher the profit they can provide for the company. Ergonomic furniture is one of the supporting examples in increasing employee productivity. Designing ergonomic furniture is the effort taken by the company to boost the employee's productivity. The ergonomic furniture can provide comfort to the employee and minimize the occurrence of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). The provided coziness will increase the level of concentration so that the performance of the employee will be increased too. The existence of ergonomic furniture will offer benefits to the company. Therefore, companies are required to provide adequate facilities and infrastructure to support employee activities. One of the company's facilities is a table and chairs. Tables and chairs must be designed ergonomically, considering that both facilities will continually be used within 8 hours per day. This research aims to utilize anthropometric measurement as a design tool for ergonomic work furniture. The anthropometric measurement was conducted on 85 employees and used 11 body dimensions as a parameter. These body dimensions consist of a supine hand, sitting, forward pinch-grip reach, elbow height, shoulder width, pelvic width, buttock-knee length, knee height, shoulder height, sitting, length of elbow to toe, thigh clearance, and palm width. The 5th percentile was used for four dimensions in this research, while the rest used 95th. The results of this research are expected to minimize the possibility of various health problems caused by the un-ergonomic working furniture so that the employee's performance will be improved too

Evolution of the biomechanical dimension of the professional gestures of grinders when using a collaborative robot

ABSTRACT Using a cobot could relieve workers of strenuous and repetitive tasks while preserving their expertise. To understand the consequences of using a cobot on the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), within a theoretical framework based on activity-centred ergonomics, an example cobot used in grinding activities in a real work situation is studied. This article analyses the evolution of the biomechanical dimension of the professional gestures of grinders when using the cobot. Effort linked to tool carrying and the vibrations perceived were reduced. Repetitiveness decreased but workers did not accomplish the entirety of their task. The work postures did improve for different joints but not for all, which shows the advantage of varying the contexts of using a cobot and taking into account workers’ strategy diversity. To investigate other explanatory elements of the effects on MSDs, these results must be linked to the evolution of the other dimensions of professional gestures.

MO866: Evaluating Psychosocial Contributions to Musculoskeletal Disorders in Hemodialysis Patients: A Single Center Experience From Egypt

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) on regular hemodialysis (HD) suffer from a high burden of comorbidities. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are frequently encountered in those patients. The factors linked to MSDs in HD patients are incompletely defined, therefore this study was done to figure out how often musculoskeletal symptoms are in those patients and identify their association with many psychosocial aspects including quality of sleep, social support and fatigue. METHOD This cross-sectional study was carried out in the HD unit at Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt in the period from August to December 2021. The sample included 94 ESRD patients on regular HD for more than 3 months. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical and therapeutic data were collected. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ-E) was used to determine the prevalence and patterns of MSDs in various parts of the body areas. Moreover, the modified Edmonton Symptom Assessment System, multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Perceived Social Support from Family Scales were completed by the patients. MSDs predictors were evaluated by univariate regression analysis. RESULTS The mean age of the studied patients was 49.73 years and more than half of them (59.6%) were males. MSDs affected nearly three quarters (72.3%) of patients. The most frequently encountered MSD domains were knee pain (48.9%), low back pain (43.6%), shoulder pain (41.6%), hip/thigh pain (35.1%) and neck pain (35.1%) (Figure 1). Regarding Pain and symptom burden, patients with MSDs had significantly higher scores of pain (P &amp;lt; 0.001), fatigue (P = 0.01), depression (P = 0.015) and anxiety (P = 0.003). Regarding MFI scale, patients with MSDs experienced reduced activity (P = 0.02). Subjective sleep quality, daytime dysfunction domains and global PSQI score were worse among patients with MSDs (P = 0.02, 0.031 and 0.036, respectively). Patients with MSDs perceived less social support (P = 0.029). Female gender (P = 0.013), higher scores of fatigue (P = 0.012), depression (P = 0.014), anxiety (P = 0.004), reduced activity (P = 0.029) domains and PSQI score (0.027) were the significant predictors of MSDs in the studied HD patients (Table 1). CONCLUSION MSDs appears to frequently occur in HD patients. Female gender, fatigue, depression, anxiety, reduced activity and poor sleep quality can predict the occurrence of MSDs in HD patients.

Relationship between General Health and Musculoskeletal Discomfort along with Psychosomatic Complaints in Nurses.

Background:Workplace problems can lead to psychosomatic complaints. We aimed to assess the relationship between general health and occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders along with psychosomatic complaints.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. This research was conducted about the nurses who worked at the hospitals located in the northwest of Tehran, Iran (Valiasr, Farhikhtegan, and Khatam), and participated in this study from Aug 2019 to Feb 2020. The data were collected by the demographic and clinical information questionnaire. Goldberg’s general health questionnaire and psychosomatic complaint scale were completed by nurses.Results:In total, 158 nurses participated in this study. There was a significant relationship between the score of the general health questionnaire (GHQ) and psychosomatic complaints in three categories (low, moderate, and high) (P≤0.0001). There was a significant relationship between the mean score of GHQ and musculoskeletal discomfort in the neck, shoulder, forearm, hand and wrist, upper/lower back, knee, and ankle (P≤0.0001).Conclusion:Continuity of psychosomatic complaints may be a risk factor for mental health in nurses and may affect the quality of care. Hence, health policymakers and hospital managers should consider it in service training for nurses.

FAKTOR RISIKO YANG MEMENGARUHI KEJADIAN MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS (MSDs) PADA DOKTER GIGI : LITERATURE REVIEW

Dentists in carrying out their work must be full of concentration so that it is not uncommon for them to do work with awkward postures for the comfort and safety of patients. Musculoskeletal disorder is a disorder that can be felt by many people because its occurrence is widespread and is a common cause of impaired function and decreased quality of life. Objective: To analyze the risk factors that influence the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in dentists based on literature in the form of articles and national and or international accredited journals that have been published. Method: Descriptive type with a qualitative approach. The research method used is the literature review method or a method that is systematic by identifying and reviewing the results of existing research to solve cases in accordance with the variables that have been determined in the study. The results of the study related to the factors that influence the risk of MSD occurrence in dentists, namely individual factors including age, gender, years of service and work factors including work posture, workload, duration of work, and repetition. The factor of tenure on the risk of MSD is the factor that has the most reviews in several articles than other individual factors. So, the factors of work posture and work duration are the factors that have the most reviews on the articles used than other work factors.

Developing and validating the personal risk assessment of musculoskeletal disorders (PRAMUD) tool among workers of a steel foundry

IntroductionDifferent physical and personal items can influence the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. The available tools don't use all of them in assessing the risk. Therefore, this study was aimed to develop a personal risk assessment of musculoskeletal disorders (PRAMUD) tool among the workers and evaluate its validation. Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 male employees in a steel factory. The information related to personal items was collected by interviewing the participants. The data of the physical items were gathered by observing their duties and conversing with them. Also, they were asked to fill out the Persian version of Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaires (CMDQ). The effect coefficients computed by structural equation modeling (SEM) were applied to develop the PRAMUD equation. Then, the final score was classified by receiver operating characteristic (ROC), and the PRAMUD method was validated via linear regression analysis. ResultsPersonal and physical items, with total coefficients of 0.377 and 0.546, could significantly affect the musculoskeletal symptoms, respectively. The calculated coefficients of the items were used to develop the PRAMUD equation. The final score of the method was categorized into four levels by optimal cut-off points of 12.22, 15.21, and 20.86. The PRAMUD tool could justify 76 and 70 percent of the variations of musculoskeletal symptoms in internal and external validity, respectively. ConclusionPersonal and physical parameters play important roles in predicting musculoskeletal disorders. The method developed by them could provide a more accurate forecast of the risk levels of these disorders.

Prediction and Control Model of Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Instant Noodle Company in Makassar 2020–2050

BACKGROUND: There are many risk factors that result in musculoskeletal disorders because of work. This also occurs in the instant food industry, where apart from manual load handling and repetitive work, the production process can also results in risks. AIM: The aims of this study are to predict the musculoskeletal disorders in the next 50 years and the effectiveness of scenarios for controlling musculoskeletal disorders. METHODS: This study employed Research and Development method through a dynamics system approach. This research was conducted in one of the industries that produce instant food in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The data obtained was based on interviews, which were further analyzed using Interpretative Structural Modeling. RESULTS: Based on the simulation results for 30 years, it was found that there was an increase in the average musculoskeletal disorder incidence by 20.63% per year. At the end of the simulation in 2050, the number of musculoskeletal disorder incidents became 48481.69. In this case, the simulation for 30 years (2020–2050) was conducted on a model of controlling occupational diseases at an instant noodle company in Makassar by providing treatment in the form of reducing risk factors that cause musculoskeletal disorders. Based on the simulation results for 30 years (2020–2050), musculoskeletal disorders have the most significant contribution to the increase of occupational diseases incidents as a whole. The increase in musculoskeletal disorders is an accumulation of several risk factors that exist in the instant noodle production process. CONCLUSIONS: Prediction of the musculoskeletal disorder incidence using a dynamic system approach for 30 years (2020–2050) has increased by an average of 20.63% per year. The behavior of the model after receiving treatment on the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders has an average decrease in the average incidence of 51.11% per year. In this case, to control the musculoskeletal disorder incidence, the elements or variables controlled simultaneously are work posture, lifting load, and length of work.

The Effect of Mental Workload on the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders (Case Study: Bandar Abbas Zinc Production Company)

Introduction: One of the effective factors in the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders is the mismatch between the mental workload on the person and his abilities and limitations. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of mental workload on the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in Bandar Abbas Production Company. Method: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2019. The data collection tools included demographic information questionnaires, Nordic musculoskeletal disorders, and NASA-TLX mental workload. The participants were 172 people who were identified using Cochran's formula and simple random sampling. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS25 software. Results: The results indicated that 76.74% of the subjects had musculoskeletal disorders. Most of disorders were reported in the low back (51.16%), knees (38.95%), and neck (23.84%). The mean score of mental workloads in Bandar Abbas Production Company in this study was high (66.67). Among the mental workload subscales, the effort subscale had the highest score (85.32) and the performance subscale had the lowest score (20.00). Statistical tests showed that there was a significant relationship between mental workload and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusion: According to the findings of the study, there was a direct relationship between mental workload and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, measures should be taken to reduce the perceived mental and psychological load, such as reducing working hours, interrupting and resting between working, increasing the variety of working postures, and

Musculoskeletal disorders and the physical activity of territorial army soldiers during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of self-reported musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among Polish territorial army soldiers during the COVID-19 pandemic and to investigate whether there was a relationship between occupational physical activity (OPA), leisure time physical activity (LTPA), and MSD.MethodsThe study used a cross-sectional design with a sample of 373 territorial army soldiers ages 18–55 who had not previously suffered from COVID-19 and were not convalescents. The symptoms prevalence data was collected using the standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. OPA and LTPA data was collected using the Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall (SDPAR).ResultsThe OPA, LTPA, and total physical activity (PA) among the studied soldiers was very diverse and the mean level of PA was relatively high. A total of 56 and 40% of territorial army soldiers had experienced pain or other discomfort in one or more of nine body regions during the past 12 months and during the past 7 days, respectively. The most common MSD among Polish territorial army soldiers were low back pain, followed by pain in the neck and knees.ConclusionsThe study revealed that the OPA of the studied soldiers, especially vigorous-intensity and high vigorous-intensity OPA, was associated with a higher prevalence of MSD in several regions of the body, i.e. the lower back, elbows, wrists or hands, hips or thighs, and ankles or feet. Along with the increase in energy expenditure on total PA, a greater percentage of respondents experienced low back pain. Vigorous and high vigorous-intensity PA may contribute to the occurrence of MSD.

1460Is workplace bullying independently associated with musculoskeletal disorders? A study with Brazilian civil servants

Abstract Background Studies from high-income countries suggest that workplace bullying is associated with several occupational diseases and health outcomes, including musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). However, studies on the relationship between bullying and MSD are scarce, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between workplace bullying and MSD among civil servants from a state in southern Brazil. Methods Cross-sectional study with 1,615 judicial civil servants from a Brazilian state. Data was collected through a web survey. The structured questionnaire included direct questions regarding previous MSD diagnosed by a doctor. Workplace Bullying was measured by the Negative Acts Questionnaire (NAQ-r). Logistic Regression was used to estimate prevalence odds ratios (POR) and test associations of interest. Results The prevalence of workplace bullying was 17.7%, and the prevalence of MSD was 23.1%. After adjustment for sex and age, workplace bullying was strongly associated with MSD (POR=1.76; CI95% 1.32-2.36). In the final multivariate model, after controlling for sex, age, skin colour, body mass index, educational level, job type, ergonomic factors and physical inactivity, the association remained significant. The risk of MSD was 56.0% higher among those exposed to bullying (POR= 1.56; 95%CI: 1.14-2.13), compared to those non-exposed. Conclusions Findings are in line with studies from high-income countries. Bullying should be further investigated as a potential cause of MSD, and longitudinal studies are necessary to examine possible causal paths, mechanisms and mediation, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Interventions to reduce the occurrence of MSD may focus on psychosocial factor at work, particularly bullying. Key messages Besides being an unethical behaviour in workplaces and causing several mental health problems, bullying may also play a role on musculoskeletal disorders, what should be further investigated, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Interventions to prevent bullying and MSD are needed.

The Development of Musculoskeletal Disorders during Undergraduate Dentistry Studies-A Long-Term Prospective Study.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) frequently occur among dental practitioners and present a significant occupational burden with an early onset in the dentists’ career. This study aimed to analyze the five-year development of self-reported overall MSDs among the dentistry students during the course of their studies and to assess the possible influence of the risk as well as protective factors. The questionnaire inquiry was performed among the first-year dentistry students, regarding the occurrence of MSDs and the presence of potential risk and protective factors. The same students were followed, and they filled in the same questionnaire in the middle and at the end of their studies. A total of 73 dentistry students and 28 general medicine students participated. The occurrence of the overall MSDs statistically significantly increased from 30.1% at the beginning of the first year to 45.2% at the end of the fifth year among the dentistry students. The top-level sport was statistically significantly associated with the higher occurrence of MSDs in the fifth year and with the development of new MSDs between the first and the fifth year. This longitudinal prospective evaluation showed a significant increase in the MSDs occurrence among the dentistry students during their studies.

The effectiveness of Chair Massage on Stress and Pain in Oncology

BackgroundThere is a high prevalence of moderate-to-high levels of chronic stress among nurses, as well as an occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders.PurposeTo evaluate the effectiveness of chair massage to reduce chronic stress and musculoskeletal pain in the Oncology Nursing team.SettingTwo teaching cancer hospitals, one public and the other private, in São Paulo city, Brazil.ParticipantsA total of 60 women from the Oncology Nursing team.Research DesignA randomized controlled trial divided into two groups: chair massage and control without intervention.InterventionThe massage group received two chair massage sessions lasting 15 minutes, twice a week, for three weeks.Main Outcome MeasureReduction of stress and pain measured by the List of Signs and Symptoms (LSS) and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), respectively.ResultsThe average age was 32 (± 5.3) years. There was a reduction of stress measured by the LSS with a statistical difference in the group-time interaction (p < .001), with a Cohen’s d value of 1.21 between groups. The BPI analysis showed a statistically significant difference in the group-time interaction for general activity (p < .008), mood (p < .03), work (p < .000), and sleep (p = .03), with reduced pain interference in these components.ConclusionChair massage reduced stress and pain interference in the team’s daily life activities, bringing a positive impact in the context of work stress and pain in Oncology nursing professionals.