Pattern Of Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Articles

Patterns of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Staff Nurses in the Emergency Department in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: The physically demanding and high-stress environment of Emergency Departments (EDs) significantly contributes to the heightened risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among ED nurses. Despite this known association, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of the prevalence rates and contributing factors within ED settings in Saudi Arabia, necessitating further investigation.Purpose: This study delves into the prevalence and potential predictors of MSDs among nurses in this critical healthcare setting.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in March 2023 using convenience sampling of 177 ED nurses across 16 public hospitals in Hail, Saudi Arabia. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was employed, with SPSS analyses covering frequency and percentage of pain prevalence via cross-tabulation, and logistic regression to identify risk factors.Results: Over the past year, 68.9% of participants reported lower back pain affecting normal activities in 55.4% of cases. Neck pain was more likely in individuals aged 20-29 and former smokers accounting for 47.6% of the variance (p=0.001). Shorter shifts under 8 hours reduced neck pain risk, whereas a schedule with 50% of night shifts heightened the risk, contributing to 28.4% of the variance (p=0.001). Nurses aged 40-49 and those with significant childcare duties faced higher shoulder pain risk (p=0.024), and adult caregiving duties was linked to upper back pain explaining 40.6% of the variance (p=0.017). No significant links were found for other musculoskeletal pains.Conclusion: The study reveals a significant prevalence of MSDs among the evaluated ED nurses, significantly influenced by specific demographic and work-related factors. Addressing these through ergonomic interventions, optimal scheduling, and wellness programs is crucial for nurse well-being and patient care. Future research should focus on creating holistic wellness programs that support nurses musculoskeletal health.

Musculoskeletal disorders in pre-school teachers in the municipality of Ecoporanga-ES

Introduction: Teachers' work in early childhood education is crucial to children's development. Therefore, this demanding occupation can lead to health risks for educators, especially with regard to musculoskeletal disorders. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and patterns of musculoskeletal disorders in early childhood teachers, in order to develop measures to promote the occupational health of these educators Methodology: This was a quantitative, exploratory and descriptive study of 29 early childhood teachers at levels I and II, covering children aged between 6 months and 3 years. The research used two structured questionnaires adapted for the Portuguese language, including the Nordic Osteomuscular Symptoms Questionnaire (NMQ). Results: The results indicate that musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent among early childhood teachers, affecting various regions of the body, such as the neck, shoulders, arms, forearms, hands, dorsal region, lumbar region and hip/MMII. The neck and shoulders are particularly affected, with most teachers associating the pain with their work. The most commonly used resources for dealing with pain were medication, gel ointment and massage. Conclusion: The discussion on musculoskeletal disorders in pre-school teachers highlights the relevance of this issue and the need for preventive and therapeutic actions to promote the occupational health of these professionals. Policies that encourage the adoption of appropriate postures and the conscious use of therapeutic resources are fundamental to ensuring a healthy and safe working environment for teachers.

Prevalence and Pattern of Musculoskeletal Disorder in Panteka Mechanic Village, Kaduna

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are illnesses that make working people disabled and generate significant economic loss worldwide. Automobile mechanics are at risk of injury at the onset of MSDs due to repetitive tasks, uncomfortable posture, and heavy lifting of objects. The frequency and pattern of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among auto mechanics in Panteka Village, Kaduna State, are investigated in this study. Using a version of the standard Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire, a quatitative method was used to gather data on the prevalence pattern of musculoskeletal illnesses at Panteka Village. To analyze the data obtained, purposive sampling method was employed. The study found that there was a high prevalence of MSDs among auto mechanics in Panteka village, with rates of 90% (Neck), 92.3% (shoulder), 56.4% (knee) and over 70% prevalence of MSD for lower and upper back. The results of relationship between age of respondents, years spent as a mechanic and prevalence of the musculoskeletal disorders showed no significant relationship. However, there was a significant relationship between the respondent's section of mechanic activities ie the nature of their job and MSD. These are primarily the result of poor ergonomics and insufficient rest periods at their workshop. Also, manual handling of heavy loads, repetitive tasks and force exertion were the identified factors. Ergonomic and MSD awareness among workers should be increased through training. In addition, govermnents should investigate more in other to reduce or eliminate risk factors leading to musculoskeletal disorders. Members of the Panteka village committee can use the research's findings to enhance the working environment for mechanics. Therefore, Mechanics will need to be educated more on risk factors associated with MSDs.

Morbidity pattern of musculoskeletal disorders among school children in a selected ward of urban Bengaluru using pediatric Gait, Arms, Legs, and Spine screening tool

Abstract Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among children are common globally and in India with the prevalence ranging from 4% to 15%. Musculoskeletal symptoms can be due to trauma or growing pains or symptoms of potentially life-threatening conditions such as malignancy, sepsis, and autoimmune disorders. With their indefinite onset and long latent period, early detection of these disorders and prompt treatment reduce the severity of outcomes; hence, screening is necessary. Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the occurrence and describe the morbidity patterns of MSDs among school children in a selected school cluster of urban Bengaluru using the pediatric Gait, Arms, Legs, and Spine (pGALS) screening tool. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done, which included all the students of one randomly selected school cluster in one ward of urban Bengaluru. The total number of students was 260; 37 students did not get their parental consent, and 29 students were chronically absent. The pGALS tool has demonstrated an excellent sensitivity (around 97%) and specificity (around 98%) at all joints with high acceptability among children and parent/guardian and across cultures. Results: The overall occurrence of MSDs based on the pGALS tool among school children was 46.9% (91/194). Males were the most affected than females (males: 51.6% and females: 48.4%). Children in the age group of 10–15 years were most affected by MSDs (51.6%). Conclusion: The prevalence of MSDs is high among school-going children based on the pGALS screening tool, and this may be due to a recent sports event.

Patterns of musculoskeletal disorders in health care providers and their association with ergonomic risks

Objectives. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have a high prevalence among allied health care providers because of the demanding nature of their work and lack of practicing proper ergonomics. The aim of this study focused on patterns of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) affecting different health care providers working in a different unit of a tertiary care hospital. Methods. This cross-sectional study collected data from 2000 allied health care providers working at various departments of Civil Hospital and Dow University Hospital of Karachi (DUHS), via self-administered questionnaire, based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. Results. Our findings revealed that 92.9% of individuals had MSDs as a result of poor ergonomics, with 93% reporting that the disease interferes with their normal job routine. Conclusions. Medical technologists are the most affected group among allied health care workers. Lack of knowledge and improper ergonomic culture results in such a high prevalence rate in allied health care workers in Pakistan.

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 < 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.

Latent class-derived patterns of musculoskeletal disorders in sedentary workers and chair ergonomic design

Objectives. This study aimed to define specific patterns of multisite musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in office employees and to examine how derived patterns relate to ergonomic chair design. Methods. This cross-sectional study of 254 office employees extracted major patterns of MSDs using latent class analysis and investigated the association with ergonomic chair design. Results. Four major patterns of MSDs were extracted using latent class analysis: class 1 (12.1%), individuals with high probabilities of MSDs in the neck, shoulders, back and wrists; class 2 (35.6%), individuals with near-zero probabilities of MSDs across all sites; class 3 (14.1%), those with high probabilities of complaints in the back, hips and knees; class 4 (38.2%), those with high probabilities of MSDs across all sites. Considering class 2 as the reference, there was an inverse significant association between seat comfort and membership in class 3 (odds ratio [OR] 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.89, 0.99]) and class 4 OR 0.94, 95% CI [0.91, 0.98], and a significant inverse relationship between body support and membership in class 4 OR 0.95, 95% CI [0.92, 0.99]. Conclusion. MSDs can be summarized with latent class-derived patterns among office workers. Ergonomic chair design was significantly associated with type of MSD patterns.

Pattern of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Diabetic Patients Attending The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Disorders of musculo-skeletal (MSK) system are very common scenario watched in diabetic patients and is a major cause of morbidity, mortality and hospitalization.
 Objective: The present study to see the pattern of MSK disorders among the Bangladeshi diabetic patients.
 Materials & Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out at the department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Thengamara Mohila Sabuj Sangha (TMSS) Medical College Hospital, Bogura for the period of one year from February 2019 to January 2020. A total of 450 diabetic patients with MSK disorders were included in this study.
 Results: A total of 450 patients with MSK disorders were studied. Out of them 208 (46%) were males and 242(54%) were females.31.5% were between the age group of 41-50 years and 28.9% was between 51-60years.Majority were housewives (51.2%) followed by cultivator(16.2%).Degenerative joint diseases were more common (31.4%) than inflammatory arthropathies (19.3%).Lumbar and cervical spondylosis constituted about 31.4% of all disorders& 22.7% presented with OA knee whereas 15.6% presented with rheumatoid arthritis.
 Conclusion: Degenerative disorders of the MSK system are more common than the inflammatory ones amongst the diabetics.Maximum patients were having OA of knee, lumbar spondylosisand soft tissue rheumatism.
 KYAMC Journal.2021;12(1): 41-43

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and their association with ergonomic physical risk factors among women working in tea gardens of Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India

Introduction: Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) is common among tea-plucking folks and may be attributed to the long duration of work in same posture, the load they carry while plucking and transporting the leaves to the nearest depot, improper job rotations and the difficult hilly terrains.
 Objective: To determine the prevalence and pattern of musculoskeletal disorders among tea garden workers and to ascertain the risk factors for the same.
 Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 210 female tea garden workers employed in tea gardens of Darjeeling district using 30 cluster sampling design. Data on musculoskeletal morbidities were collected using Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and ergonomic risk was assessed by Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) worksheet.
 Results: Proportion of musculoskeletal disorders in past 12 months was 92.4% and in past 7 days was 71.4%. Upper extremities were the most commonly affected body part. Higher altitude, age, BMI, more duration in present job, history of work related injuries and increased REBA risk assessment score were found to be significantly associated with musculoskeletal disorders.
 Conclusion: Musculoskeletal morbidities among female tea garden workers of Darjeeling were found to be considerably high. Ergonomic mechanised assistance in tea plucking can reduce this proportion of MSD and thus may go a long way in reducing sickness absenteeism and increasing productivity.
 Financial support and sponsorship - Nil.
 Conflicts of interest - There are no conflicts of interest.

Burden of musculoskeletal-related disorders resulting from non-fatal road traffic collisions in Africa: a protocol of a systematic review

IntroductionIn addition to their high mortality rates, road traffic collisions (RTC) are considered a burden within those who do survive. In Africa, injuries related to RTC have been identified as...

Association of derived patterns of musculoskeletal disorders with psychological problems: a latent class analysis

BackgroundMusculoskeletal symptoms often occur in more than one anatomical site. The present study aimed to define specific patterns of multisite musculoskeletal disorders and examine how these patterns are related to common psychological problems.MethodsUsing the data from an interview-based health survey of 358 samples of the industrial manufacturing male employees, we derived major patterns of musculoskeletal complaints using latent class analysis and investigated its association with psychological problems score extracted from depression, anxiety, and stress measured by Depression/Anxiety/Stress Scale (DASS-21). Musculoskeletal disorders were assessed by Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). The statistical analysis was carried out by Mplus 8.ResultsComplaints in the lower back (42.1%) and neck (30.7%) had the highest prevalence, and in the hip (15.0%) and ankle (12.2%) the lowest. Three major patterns of musculoskeletal disorders were extracted using latent class analysis. Class 1 (12.9%) was characterized by a high rate of complaints in upper musculoskeletal sites, such as the neck, shoulder, and joints; class 2 (38.2%) was identified by a higher rate of complaints in the lower and upper back; and class 3 (48.9%) was marked by low rates of complaints in all musculoskeletal sites. After adjustment for confounding variables and specifying class 3 as the reference, it turned out that there was a statistically significant association between the psychological problems score and the chance of being in class 1 (OR = 2.47, 95% CI 1.66–3.68), but not a significant association with the chance of being in class 2 (OR = 1.51, 95% CI 0.83–2.72).ConclusionMusculoskeletal disorders can be summarized in the latent class-derived patterns in the adult study population and provide additional prognostics. Common psychological problems are significantly associated with the type of musculoskeletal disorder patterns. The findings in this study could be useful for dealing with prevention and treatment programs.

Pattern of Musculo-Skeletal Disorders in Diabetic and Non-diabetic Patients Attending in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dhaka

Background: Disorders of the musculoskeletal (MSK) system affect all ages and ethnic groups. This study was done to see the pattern of MSK disorders in diabetic and non-diabetic patients at a tertiary care hospital.Methods: This cross-sectional study was done between period of June 2016-Feb 2017 in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka. Six hundred individuals were included in the study, 300 in diabetic and 300 in non-diabetic group.Results: Diabetic group consisted with 95 (31.67%) males, 205 (68.33%) females. Non-diabetic group consisted with 176 (58.67%) males and 124 (41.33%) females. Osteoarthritis knees (CoA of (101, 33.67%), degenerative lumber disc disease (69, 23%), frozen shoulder (60, 20%), degenerative cervical disc disease (42, 14%) and non-specific back pain (22, 7.3%), were common among diabetic patients. Among non- diabetic patients nonspecific back pain (55, 18.33%), degenerative lumbar disc disease (52, 17.33%), degenerative cervical disc disease (41, 13.66%), OA of knees (38, 12.60%), prolapsed lumbar inter- vertebral disc (PLID) (30, 10%) were common.Conclusion: Degenerative, non-inflammatory abnormalities comprised the major bulk of problems. Soft tissue rheumatism was common in diabetic patients. Frozen shoulder was present in higher percentage in diabetic patients.Birdem Med J 2018; 8(1): 68-71

Prevalence and pattern of musculoskeletal disorders among load carriers in Kano metropolis

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders constitute a major health challenge for load carriers and the general population. Work – related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) is seen as the most expensive occupational disease in the workplace and leading work-related health concern, in developed as well as developing countries. Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence and pattern of musculoskeletal disorders among load carriers in Kano metropolis. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a sample of 182 load carriers in Kano. Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaires was used to collect data for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms in an ergonomic or occupational health context. Result: A very high proportion of load carriers (87%) presented with one form of WMSD or the other. With regards to patterns of MSDs, most of the load carriers reported upper and low back pain with 71% and 61% respectively. This is followed by the neck accounting for almost 60%. Conclusion: This pattern is a clear indication that the most vulnerable part of our body likely to be affected often due to heavy and poor lifting technique, is the spine. Recommendation: This calls for a concerted effort to raise awareness and enlighten load carriers the need for proper manual handling technique in order to reduce the burden of WMSD and prevent subsequent spine destruction in later life.

The Prevalence of Computer Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Bankers of Dhaka City

Introduction: Bangladesh is a developing country and the industrialization process is also getting momentum. Due to rapid industrialization and mechanization, use every day more people are coming in contact with the information technology, consequently computer use which may enhance sufferings of people by causing musculoskeletal disorders.Objective: to find out among bankers (a) the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder and (b) the association between musculoskeletal pain and computer use.Methods: This descriptive type of cross sectional study was conducted to see the pattern of musculoskeletal disorders among the computer users in three selected banks of Dhaka city with a sample of 400.Results: More than half of the respondents (59.8%) were married, more than two-third (69.2%) was male. Majority of the respondents (58.25% and 33.0%) belonged to the level of education was graduate and post graduate. Statistically significant association found between duration of computer used in years and severity of pain. (P- Value was 0.019).Conclusion: A high proportion of Bangladeshi computer users among bankers reported musculoskeletal disorder at some body site in their occupational lives with the neck and back being injured most often. Education program on prevention and coping strategies for musculoskeletal disorders are recommended for computer users in order to reduce the rate of occupational hazards.Chatt Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.15 (1); Jan 2016; Page 40-44

An Analysis of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Butchers in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria.

BackgroundButchering is often associated with high rates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). However, published work on the prevalence of WRMSDs among butchers in Nigeria is scarce. This is important because meat processing practices differ across geographical and cultural locations. This study was therefore aimed at analyzing WRMSDs among butchers in Kano metropolis.MethodsSociodemographic and work-settings information was obtained from 102 male cattle butchers (age, 37.49 ± 11.68 years) through survey. Information on the prevalence and pattern of musculoskeletal disorders was obtained from the respondents using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. Additional information on health seeking practices was also obtained using a pro forma. Associations between the prevalence of WRMSDs and each of the sociodemographic data and work settings were explored using Chi-square analysis. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsThe 12-month and point prevalence rates of WRMSDs among butchers in this study were 88.2% and 74.5%, respectively. Whereas lower back complaints (66.7%) were the overall and lower body quadrant's most commonly reported WRMSDs among the butchers surveyed, wrist/hand complaints were the leading upper quadrant's (45.1%) most commonly reported WRMSDs among the respondents. There were significant associations between age and majority of WRMSDs in the body regions. Only 23.3% of the 90 individuals who had WRMSD visited the hospital to seek redress for their WRMSD.ConclusionThe prevalence of WRMSDs is high among butchers in Kano Metropolis. Few individuals with WRMSD utilize healthcare facilities. Age is a major risk factor in this setting.

A cross sectional study on work related musculoskeletal disorders among software professionals

Background: This study has been carried out to determine the prevalence and pattern of Musculo Skeletal Disorders (MSD) among software professionals and to evaluate the association between socio-demographic factors, computer work related factors and MSD. Methods: The study design was cross sectional with software professionals working in information technology (IT) companies in Chennai, Tamilnadu as the study population. The sampling method used for the survey is the non-probabilistic purposive sampling. Data was collected using a questionnaire which includes personal data, job details and standardized Nordic questionnaire. Results: Prevalence of work related MSD during last 12 months, during last 7 days and annual disability were 69%, 49.2% and 16.6% respectively. The common prevalence of work related MSD reported during last 12 months based on their body region were neck (29.56%), lower back (22.89%), shoulders (12.17%) and knees (9.56%). There was a statistically significant difference in terms of gender, regular exercise, more than 5 working days per week, more than eight hours of work per day and habit of taking lesser breaks during work hours at regular intervals. There were no statistically significant difference in terms of age, BMI and years of employment. Conclusions: The study has concluded that MSD is widely reported among software professionals working in the IT field in India. Hence, an appropriate prevention strategy needs to be carried out in order to enable them work comfortably.

Musculoskeletal disorders and symptom severity among Australian dental hygienists.

BackgroundRecent literature has identified that musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are a significant occupational health issue for both dentists and dental hygienists. Research on the occupational health of dental hygienists is lacking in Australia, which is of particular concern given that it is a rapidly growing field in this country. The aims of this research are to investigate the prevalence of MSD and correlating regions of pain among Australian dental hygienists. A self-reporting questionnaire was distributed to all registered dental hygienists in Australia. The questionnaire was a modified version of a validated tool, used previously among health practitioners and students.ResultsA total of 624 dental hygienists responded to the questionnaire, achieving a response rate of 42%. MSD were frequently reported by dental hygienists in the neck (85%), shoulder (70%), and lower back (68%). Of those reporting pain, over two thirds reported that the pain lasted for longer than two days, for all body regions. Logistic regression analysis revealed that there is a correlation between reports of MSD in the neck, shoulder and lower back regions.ConclusionsOverall, this study suggests that MSD are a reasonably common problem for Australian dental hygienists, and that they often need to seek medical treatment for these problems. It is concerning that there is a correlation between reports of MSD in the neck, shoulder and lower back regions; further studies are needed to establish the epidemiological patterns of MSD in this profession.

PREVALENCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL PROBLEMS AMONG FULL TIME LADY SERVANTS IN DOQQI AREA, CAIRO

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have been identified as a major health concern affecting sizeable segments of the general and working populations. A limited number of studies have particularly explored the prevalence and causes of MSDs among full-time lady servants who routinely perform housework. Aim of work: To estimate the prevalence and pattern of musculoskeletal disorders among randomly selected lady servants and to identify potential factors associated with self-reported musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among full-time lady servants in Doqqi area, Cairo. Materials and Methods: It is a cross-sectional study included randomly selected female servants in Doqqi area, Cairo. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to study frequency of MSD and possible risk factors associated with it. Results: The study revealed that all the studied population are female, illiterate (70.4%), unmarried (57.8%), and 43.7% of them have ≥ 3children. As well as 76.1% of lady servants are working using repetitive movements and 69% taking awkward positions during domestic work. Eighty four percent (84.5%) of the study group had musculoskeletal troubles during past 12 months, mostly in lumbar region (63.3%) and 36.6% of servants have evidence of stress. Conclusions: A major finding of this study was musculoskeletal disorders (84.5%) that mainly affected lumbar area followed by knee, wrist and hand areas. Also, 56.3% of servants had mental stress and the most important risk factors that affect the MSDs were awkward positions and repetitive movements.

Prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal disorders in New Zealand nurses, postal workers and office workers

To describe the prevalence, characteristics and impact of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in New Zealand nurses, postal workers and office workers. A postal survey asked participants about MSDs, (low back, neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand or knee pain lasting longer than one day), and demographic, physical and psychosocial factors. Nurses were randomly selected from the Nursing Council database, postal workers from their employer's database and office workers from the 2005 electoral roll. The response rate of potentially eligible participants was 58% (n=443). Participants were aged 20-59 years; 86% were female. Over the 12 months prior to the survey 88% of respondents had at least one MSD lasting longer than a day and 72% reported an MSD present for at least seven days. Of the 1,003 MSDs reported, 18% required time off work and 24% required modified work duties. In the month prior to the survey 17% of MSDs made functional tasks difficult or impossible. Low back, neck and shoulder pain prevalence did not differ by occupation. Postal workers had the highest prevalence of elbow and wrist/hand pain; nurses of knee pain. The high prevalence of MSDs among these workers indicates that they are indeed in 'at risk' occupations. In each occupational group MSDs encompass a range of anatomical sites, however the overall pattern of MSDs differs by occupation. MSDs have a significant impact on activities at work and home. Primary and secondary prevention strategies should encompass a range of anatomical sites and specifically target different occupational groups.

Musculoskeletal Disorders in Main Battle Tank Personnel

To compare the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders of personnel in the main battle tank (MBT) units in the Danish army with those of personnel in other types of army units, and to investigate associations between job function in the tank, military rank, and musculoskeletal problems. An epidemiologic cross-sectional questionnaire-based examination of an exposed group (MBT personnel) and a reference group (army personnel from other units than MBT units) was conducted. Outcome measures were 1-year prevalence of pain in the anatomical locations of neck, shoulder, low back, knee, and ankle. There were only 4 women in the MBT group; as a consequence, female personnel were excluded from the study. The participation rate was 58.0% (n = 184) in the MBT group and 56.3% (n = 333) in the reference group. The pattern of musculoskeletal disorders among personnel in the main battle tank units of the Danish army was not significantly different from that in other types of units (infantry, signal, combat service support, engineers, and artillery). Working as a gunner less than 2 years increased the risk of reporting neck pain (p = 0.011) and working as a loader increased the risk of reporting shoulder pain (p = 0.017).