Prevalence Of Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Articles

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Work-related Risk Factors in Chinese Physiotherapists: A Comparative Study

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Work-related Risk Factors in Chinese Physiotherapists: A Comparative Study

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Railway Employees: A Survey Study

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) related with repetitive and demanding working conditions continue to represent one of the biggest problems in industrialized countries. The railway employees have high possibility of showing musculoskeletal pain due to repetitive motions, lifting heavy loads, awkward posture which leads to bending and twisting injuries and static posture for long duration during. Aim and Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders in railway employees. Methodology: The study was conducted among 100 railway employees. The data was collected using self-administered Questionnaire, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale. Both male and female employees having at least 1 year of experience were includes. Result and Conclusion: the 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among railway employees was 79%. Low back pain (26.6%) was found to be most prevalent followed by neck pain (22.8%) and knee pain (20.3%). The Gangmans/trackmans and Sahayaks were identified to have maximum impact which led to WMSDs. The occurrence of MSD was associated with factors such as age, nature of work, working hours, lifting, and lowering heavy loads, working at pace set by machine and prolonged standing. Thus, education about ergonomics and body posture awareness would be instrumented in prevention of MSDs, thus are recommended. Keywords: Prevalence, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Risk Factors, Railway Employees.

Prevalencia de trastornos musculoesqueléticos en el cuidador primario de pacientes con discapacidad física

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the primary caregiver of patients with physical disabilities at the Central Military Hospital. Methodology: Participants who were caregivers of pa tients with a disability were sought to complete the questionnaire. A sociodemographic questionnaire was applied to each person, the Nordic questionnaire for the detection of musculoskeletal symptoms and the Zarit questionnaire to assess the caregiver’s burden, descriptive statistics of these questionnaires were performed. Results: The final sample was 29 people, the sociodemographic questionnaire showed that the primary caregiver is usually a single woman aged 40 (± 11.5) years, with a daughter relationship, who is dedicated to household activities. The Nordic questionnaire showed that 21% of the caregivers reported pain, the largest areas with pain were back (45 %), shoulder and neck (both with 21 %). The Zarit questionnaire indicated that nearly 90 % of the patients did not present activity overload. Limitations of the study: Being a study carried out in a military hospital, the results may not be representative of the Mexican population. Originality: Few are the works focused on the study of the Primary Caregiver both nationally and internationally. Conclusions: The informal primary caregiver is usuallya vulnerable population with a low educational leveland without any economic remuneration, and whichcontributes a lot to the care of patients with disabilities,therefore measures must be implemented to help trainthem to care for their integrity and that of their relatives.

Investigating Occupational and Personal Factors Effective in Causing Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Personnel of One of the Hospitals in Zahedan City

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the main health problems among health care providers. This study aims to determine Job responsibilities and risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among the hospital employees of one of the largest hospitals in Zahedan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 194 staff in one of the largest hospitals affiliated with Zahedan University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS v19 and univariate logistic linear modeling, in addition to Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: The highest average pain score was related to the back(21/10±26/19). Neck pain was more prevalent in people over 40 years old(50%). Women were 4.9 times more likely to experience neck pain than men, and the possibility of back pain in individuals older than 40 years was 2.2 times higher than in those younger than 30. Furthermore, participants with more than 20 years of work experience were 5/4 times more likely to develop knee pain than those working for 5 years and less. There was a significant difference between pain scores in different positions among the hospital staff(p=0/003). Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrated that the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among nurse assistants, women, elderly people and those with more work experience was higher than other employees, and it is necessary to design and implement targeted and specific interventions to reduce these disorders for different groups in hospitals.

Potential causal association between serum vitamin D levels and intervertebral disc degeneration: A mendelian randomization study

ObjectivesIntervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder with substantial implications for disability and healthcare expenditures. The role of serum vitamin D (25-Hydroxyvitamin D, 25(OH)D) levels in the pathogenesis of various musculoskeletal conditions has been explored in prior observational studies, suggesting a potential association. While previous observational studies have suggested an association between the two conditions, it might confound the effect of 25(OH)D on IDD. This Mendelian randomization (MR) study seeks to elucidate the causal relationship between 25(OH)D and IDD. MethodsWe performed a MR analysis using summary-level data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of 25(OH)D (sample size = 441,291 European) and IDD (sample size = 336,439 (cases = 41,669, controls = 294,770) European). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with 25(OH)D (p < 5 × 10−8) were selected as instrumental variables. The associations between genetically predicted 25(OH)D and IDD were estimated using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, with sensitivity analyses employing the weighted median, MR-Egger, and MR-PRESSO approaches to assess the robustness of the findings. ResultsIn the primary IVW analysis, genetically predicted 25(OH)D was unrelated associated with IDD (odds ratio (OR) = 0.9671, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.8956–1.0444, p = 0.39). The results remained consistent across the sensitivity analyses, and no significant directional pleiotropy was detected (MR-Egger intercept: p = 0.64). ConclusionsThis study found no obvious evidence that 25(OH)D is causally associated with IDD risks. We call for larger sample size studies to further unravel the potential causal relationship and the exact mechanism.

PREVALENCE AND PATTERN OF WORK-RELATED DISORDER AMONG OIL AND GAS WORKERS IN KADUNA REFINERY, NIGERIA

This study examined the frequency and distribution of musculoskeletal problems among Kaduna Refining and Petrochemicals Company Limited (KRPC) engineers, desk workers, security. Data for the study were gathered using a modified online version of the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. The prevalence and patterns of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) were assessed and data from a survey given to KRPC employees was analyzed using SPSS. According to the survey, there were 62.4% of MSD cases among KRPC employees overall over 12 months. The prevalence of MSD was highest for lower back (%), followed by upper back (%) and the wrist (%). Years of experience and MSD were significantly associated (P &gt;0.05). Employees with 16 to 25 years of work experience had a very high prevalence of MSD (84.9%). The power plant and quality control (PPQ and C) departments as well as the maintenance department had the highest rates of MSD. The findings can be used by KRPC management and any other refinery to address MSD problems among its employees and to close a gap in the body of knowledge regarding how MSD affects refinery workers in general.

Ergonomic Risk Assessment of Warehouse Workers in the Courier Service Industry: A Case Study from Kuantan, Malaysia

The global surge in demand for courier services has introduced both benefits and challenges. Courier workers face immense pressure to handle large volumes of orders, leading to increasing cases of health and occupational injuries. The lack of ergonomic interventions in their work highlights the urgent need for ergonomic assessments in the courier industry. In Malaysia, current ergonomic risk assessments for warehouse courier workers are insufficient, making it essential to identify prevalent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and determine the associated risk factors and levels posed by their daily tasks. This study aimed to address this gap by conducting ergonomic risk assessments among 35 warehouse workers using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), the Initial Ergonomic Risk Assessment (ERA) Checklist, and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Three different work tasks were observed: scanning and sorting, tiered storage and stacking, and load unloading. The findings revealed that lower back pain was the most common ailment (14.5%), followed by hip pain (8.39%) and neck pain (7.89%). The tiered stacking storage activity posed the highest ergonomic risk, with identified risk factors including awkward postures, static and sustained activity, and repetitive tasks. The REBA analysis indicated a very high-level risk for tiered stacking storage, necessitating immediate ergonomic interventions. These findings contribute to the field of ergonomics and provide valuable insights for safety practitioners, ergonomists, researchers, and academicians in occupational safety and health and the courier service industries.

Multiomics analysis reveals the potential of LPCAT1-PC axis as a therapeutic target for human intervertebral disc degeneration

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal disorder that is associated with considerable morbidity. However, there is currently no drug available that has a definitive therapeutic effect on IDD. In this study, we aimed to identify the molecular features and potential therapeutic targets of IDD through a comprehensive multiomics profiling approach. By integrating transcriptomics, proteomics, and ultrastructural analyses, we discovered dysfunctions in various organelles, including mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes. Metabolomics analysis revealed a reduction in total phosphatidylcholine (PC) content in IDD. Through integration of multiple omics techniques with disease phenotypes, a pivotal pathway regulated by the lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 (LPCAT1)-PC axis was identified. LPCAT1 exhibited low expression levels and exhibited a positive correlation with PC content in IDD. Suppression of LPCAT1 resulted in inhibition of PC synthesis in nucleus pulposus cells, leading to a notable increase in nucleus pulposus cell senescence and damage to cellular organelles. Consequently, PC exhibits potential as a therapeutic agent, as it facilitates the repair of the biomembrane system and alleviates senescence in nucleus pulposus cells via reversal of downregulation of the LPCAT1-PC axis.

Comparison of Work-related Musculoskelatal Disorders among Working Women and Housewives

Background: Musculoskeletal conditions are the most common cause of physical and functional limitations among both working and nonworking population. A 45% increase has been observed over 20 years in these conditions due to changes in lifestyle and activities. Nearly 25% of the overall population in under developed countries complain of MSK symptoms which decrease their functional capacity by restricting them with pain. Objective: To find out the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and compare them between housewives and working women. Methodology: This study was conducted on 57 females aged between 23 to 35, women with primary gravida; both housewives as well as working women were included for the study. Any participants with musculoskeletal/neurological/ psychological/ psychiatric / dermatological/ deficit or disorders that can affect the study were excluded. For the collection of the data, standardized Nordic Questionnaire was used. An informed consent was taken from the study participants. SPSS 25 was used for data analysis. Results: The overall mean age of the participating women was 28.97 years. Among the total population, 22 (46.4%) were housewives and 35 (53.6%) were working women. Among the working women, 12 (25.0%) worked part time (5-6 hours), 15 (20.4%) worked full time (8-10 hours) and 8 (6.1%) worked other hours. Conclusion: The upper limb regions were more commonly affected among the working women with neck region (64.4%) being the most affected followed by the shoulder and upper back area. Whereas among the housewives, musculoskeletal symptoms were more frequently reported in the shoulder region (71.5%) followed by increased symptoms in the lower back, ankle/feet and the knees.

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) involve muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs. These conditions can be triggered by both the work environment and the type of work performed, factors that, in some cases, can also exacerbate pre-existing conditions. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the impact that different work-related activities have on the musculoskeletal system. Methods: A global search of publications was conducted using the following international bibliographic web databases: PubMed and Web of Science. The search strategies combined terms for musculoskeletal disorders and workers. In addition, a meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the prevalence of MSDs within the healthcare sector. Results: A total of 10,805 non-duplicated articles were identified, and finally, 32 studies were reviewed in this article. Once the literature search was completed, occupational figures were categorized into healthcare, farming, industrial, and computer sectors. In the healthcare sector, the prevalence estimate for degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine was 21% (497 out of 2547 physicians and dentists) (95% CI, 17-26%), while for osteoarthritis of the hand, it was 37% (382 out of 1013 dentists) (95% CI, 23-51%). Conclusions: Musculoskeletal disorders significantly impair workers' quality of life, especially in healthcare sector. These conditions are also associated with high costs for employers, such as absenteeism, lost productivity, and increased costs for healthcare, disability, and workers' compensation.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Housewives: A Survey Study

Introduction: In Indian society, housewives serve as the foundational pillars around which familial structures revolve. Women perform wide variety of activities daily in the kitchen, due to continuous work performance housewives suffer various kind of physical disorders like musculoskeletal disorders, pain in joints, back, shoulders, arms, and hands due to prolong standing posture. Persistence of Musculoskeletal pain results in decreased productivity which at the end leads to poor quality of life. Aim of the study: The survey aims to evaluate prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders among housewives. Methodology: A survey study was conducted among 100 housewives. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to determine the prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders. Convenience sampling was used for the study. Results: The findings revealed that the prevalence of MSDs among housewives was 79%. Maximum prevalence (46.8%) was found in the age group 30-40 years. The most common site of musculoskeletal disorder among housewives was multiple regions (46.8%), followed by lower back (21.5%). Other regions such as the neck, knees, shoulders, and elbows also showed varying levels of prevalence. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study showed a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among housewives. The findings underscore the multifaceted nature of this health concern, influenced by various risk factors including age, BMI distribution, number of dependents, duration of household activities, and types of tasks performed. Keywords: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Housewives, Risk factors

Musculoskeletal disorders and related risk factors among Iranian farmers: applying Protection Motivation Theory

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the main occupational health problems worldwide. Among different careers, the farming profession is highly prone to MSDs. A variety of factors to prevent MSDs can be named such as preventive behaviors. To determine the factors in health-related behaviors, protection motivation theory (PMT) is widely accepted as a framework. Therefore, the present study is an attempt to determine the MSD preventive factors using PMT in farmers in rural areas of Tuyserkan County. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among 285 farmers living in Tuyserkan County in 2021. The farmers were selected through cluster random sampling from 54 health houses affiliated with the health center of the county. In the next stage, the participants were selected through simple random sampling. Data gathering was done online using a questionnaire of the constructs of PMT and a Nordic questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS 24 using linear and binary regression tests. Results: The mean work experience of the farmers was 22.11 years, and the activity in 81.8% of the participants was in standing and sitting positions. In addition, 55.4% of the participants had at least one of the MSD symptoms and the most common symptoms were back pain (67%) and pain in the knee area (35.5%). The majority of farmers did not observe MSD alleviation behaviors. The variables perceived susceptibility, fear, self-efficacy, and behavior had protective effects against MSDs in the farmers; while, monthly income, age, work hours per day, and type of activity had intensifying effects on MSDs. Conclusions: Farming is recognized as a risky job for health and several evidences show a relationship between failure to perform preventive behaviors and the prevalence of MSDs. Given the paucity of studies using health education theories and models to examine the factors in MSDs, the present study employed the PMT framework to examine MSD factors in farmers.

Occupational Health Problems among Workers of Cashew Processing Units in Kollam District, Kerala.

The cashew processing industry plays a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of a large number of individuals in southern Kerala. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of occupational health problems and associated factors among cashew workers. This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 360 cashew workers. Socio-demographics, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), respiratory symptoms, and dermatological problems were collected through a scheduled interview. Log binomial regression analysis was done. The prevalence of MSDs, chronic lung diseases (CLDs), and dermatological problems were 55.8%, 18.9%, and 47.5%, respectively. Female workers and workers with a lower education level were significantly more likely to report MSDs. Male workers and those with more years of employment were significantly more likely to report CLDs. Workers in the shelling and peeling section were significantly more likely to report dermatological problems. Targeted interventions to improve the occupational health of cashew workers are needed.

Decoding the Genetic Threads of Disc Degeneration

Abstract Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of intervertebral discs, often leading to chronic low back pain and disability. While the etiology of DDD is multifactorial, genetic factors play a significant role in disease susceptibility and progression. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the genetic aspects of DDD, summarizing previously reported genes and variations associated with the disease. Through an analysis of animal studies and molecular pathways implicated in disc degeneration, including the lipid kinase phoshoinositide-3-kinase signaling pathway (PI3K-Akt), mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway (MAPK-ERK), Wingless-related integration (Wnt)/β-catenin, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways, this review elucidates the intricate interplay between genetic factors and disc pathology. Several candidate genes have been identified in association with DDD, including those involved in extracellular matrix regulation, inflammation, and cell signaling. Genome-wide association studies have further expanded our understanding of the genetic architecture underlying DDD, revealing novel susceptibility loci and pathways. Animal studies utilizing genetically modified models have provided valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms driving disc degeneration and have validated the relevance of specific genetic pathways in disease pathogenesis. Understanding the genetic basis of DDD holds promise for identifying individuals at risk, developing predictive biomarkers, and informing personalized treatment approaches. Furthermore, elucidating the molecular pathways involved in disc degeneration may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets for DDD management. Overall, this review consolidates current knowledge on DDD genetics and pathways, providing a foundation for future research endeavors aimed at unraveling the intricate genetic mechanisms underlying this prevalent musculoskeletal disorder.

The Impact of Ergonomic Technology on the Prevalence of Work-Related Low Back Pain Among Physical Therapists in the South West Bank

Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent work-related musculoskeletal disorder that significantly impacts the health and productivity of physical therapists. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of work-related low back pain (WRLBP) among physical therapists in the South West Bank of Palestine, identify the associated risk factors, and develop effective prevention and control strategies. A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing online questionnaires to collect data from 77 physical therapists working in various healthcare settings. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test were used to analyze the data, revealing that 94.8% of participants experienced LBP, with factors such as gender, daily working hours, and prolonged bad posture being significantly associated with LBP. The impact of LBP on job performance and absenteeism was substantial, with many participants reporting reduced work efficiency and frequent absences. The findings underscore the need for targeted ergonomic interventions and posture education to mitigate the high prevalence of LBP among physical therapists.

Postural and Lumbopelvic Control: Crucial Factors in the Functionality of Patients with Low Back Pain-A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders in adults worldwide. Alterations in postural and lumbopelvic control and functionality appear to be determining factors in its resolution. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed. Patients with LBP were enrolled. Lumbar pain; postural control (PC), total area of the center of pressure (TACOP), and the velocity of the center of pressure (VCOP); lumbopelvic control (LPC); and functionality were evaluated. Statistical tests were implemented to determine differences between sex and age and correlation models among the variables. Results: Thirty adult patients with LBP were analyzed. A strong relationship was found between pain and functionality [r = 0.64; p < 0.001]. A moderate relationship was found between pain and TACOP [r = 0.395; p = 0.031]. A moderate relationship was observed between TACOP and functionality [0.413; p = 0.023] and between LPC and TACOP [r = 0.416; p = 0.001]. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the significant impact of LBP on postural control, lumbopelvic control, and functionality. These results highlight the importance of addressing postural and lumbopelvic control in LBP treatment. No significant differences based on gender and age were found, but all clinical variables differed significantly between the LBP and control groups, underscoring the unique impairments associated with LBP.

Systemic Symptoms as Potential Predictors of Chronic Neck Pain on Initial Examination: Can Systemic Symptoms Act as a Predictor of Neck Pain?

Neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder that can cause other additional misalignments and other misalignment-induced chronic musculoskeletal diseases. Although numerous risk factors for chronic neck pain have been researched, systemic symptoms have not received the same level of investigation. The aim of this study was to analyze the link between subjective systemic symptoms and neck pain based on initial holistic interviews, with the objective of identifying potential predictive factors for neck pain. This retrospective cross-sectional study included patients hospitalized due to acute neck pain between January 2018 and August 2021. Data collected included demographic information, treatment details, neck-pain characteristics, medical history, and co-occurring symptoms regardless of their known association with neck pain. Statistical analyses, including independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, chi-squared tests, Fisher's exact tests, and correlation analyses, were performed. With regard to the demographic characteristics, a significant positive correlation was observed between age and initial pain intensity (p < 0.01), while female sex was associated with changes in pain intensity (p < 0.05). Past medical conditions, including diabetes, hyperlipidemia, heart attacks, and psychological medical history, demonstrated a significant relationship with neck pain (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, and p < 0.05, respectively). Hospitalization duration, cervical dizziness, limitations in the cervical range of motion (ROM), and widespread pain were significantly associated with neck pain (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001, respectively). Among the subjective systemic symptoms, only upper gastrointestinal (GI) disturbance displayed a significant association with neck pain (p < 0.01). This study identified several potential predictors of neck pain-notably, upper GI disturbances-providing a new avenue to investigate the prognostic factors of neck pain. However, further study is needed to substantiate these findings and elucidate the precise nature of these associations.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of acupuncture for De Quervain's tenosynovitis treatment.

De Quervain's tenosynovitis (DQt) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory musculoskeletal disorder predominantly affecting the radial aspect of the wrist. This study conducted a comprehensive review of the efficacy of acupuncture in treating De Quervain's tenosynovitis (DQt). Although there is evidence suggesting that acupuncture can alleviate symptoms of DQt-characterized by pain, swelling, and functional impairment-higher-level evidence is still required to further substantiate its efficacy and safety. This study conducted a comprehensive review of the efficacy of acupuncture in treating De Quervain's tenosynovitis (DQt). By systematically searching databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar, EMbase, PEDro, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), Wanfang Database, and Chongqing VIP China Science, Technology Journal Database (VIP), we retrieved randomized controlled trial (RCT) literature on acupuncture for DQt, with the search period extending to November 1, 2023. After extracting and assessing data from the included literature, we performed Meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4.1 software. The results encompassed 14 RCT papers, involving 851 patients. The Meta-analysis findings indicated that, when compared to topical analgesics, acupuncture demonstrated a significant increase in treatment effectiveness (RR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.11, 1.39, P = 0.0002) and a notable reduction in VAS pain scores (MD = -1.06; 95% CI = -1.51, -0.61, P < 0.00001). However, no statistically significant difference was observed in conney wrist joint scores. Furthermore, acupuncture was found to reduce VAS pain scores compared to the waiting list group. In comparison to corticosteroid injections (CSI), acupuncture did not show statistical significance in VAS, effectiveness rate, and conney wrist scores. Acupuncture exhibited a promising trend in alleviating pain associated with DQt and enhancing treatment effectiveness. Nonetheless, due to limitations in the quantity and quality of the included studies, these findings warrant further validation through additional research.

Musculoskeletal disorders and visual problems among surgical versus medical physicians: A cross-sectional study.

The healthcare industry is one of the main industries with a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Surgical practice mostly involves repetitive tasks with fine motor control, precise motions, high levels of mental concentration, and close visual focus. This cross-sectional study aimed to define the prevalence and risk factors of MSDs and visual problems among physicians. One hundred surgical physicians and one hundred medical physicians were involved in the study. Both groups underwent assessment of socio-demographic and occupational history, alongside evaluation for musculoskeletal and visual problems. The study revealed a significantly higher prevalence of MSDs, particularly neck and back pain, as well as blurred near vision and eye dryness, among surgical physicians compared to medical physicians. Risk factors for these conditions included long working hours (≥30h/week) in clinics or operating rooms, as well as using endoscopes and microscopes/loupes during surgery. In conclusion, MSDs and visual problems were prevalent among physicians, particularly surgical physicians. Integrating ergonomic principles across all domains of healthcare and promoting healthcare worker awareness through training and intervention programs are crucial steps in addressing these issues.

Predictors of musculoskeletal disorders and job satisfaction among office workers of an oil company: A cross-sectional study in Iran.

Musculoskeletal disorders are among the significant causes of disabilities and occupational injuries all over the world and can reduce the quality of life and job satisfaction. These disorders prevail among the office workers of the Iranian Oil Company, though research on the involved factors is limited. The present study investigated the incidence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders and their association with job satisfaction among the office workers of the Iranian Oil Company. The present research was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study on 210 male office workers of the Iranian Oil Company. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and the rate of job satisfaction were measured by Nordic Musculoskeletal and Minnesota job Satisfaction Questionnaires, respectively. The relationship between the variables was analyzed by the SPSS 28 software. The most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders among office workers in the past 12 months were associated with the neck, waist, and knee organs, with 45.70, 41, and 38.10 percentages. Smoking, second jobs, and physical injury histories were identified as three risk factors connected to musculoskeletal disorders (p < 0.05). Forty-one percent of the participants were moderately satisfied with their jobs, and this number was significantly related to musculoskeletal disorders in the shoulders, elbows, back, waist, and knees (p < 0.05). The results of this study indicate that second jobs, smoking, and physical injury histories are three risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders among office workers of the Iranian Oil Company. Thus, it is imperative to identify at-risk office workers and train and encourage them to take preventive actions and employ ergonomic job equipment.