Prevalence Of Self-reported Musculoskeletal Symptoms Research Articles

Prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among nurses: a multicenter cross-sectional study in Bahrain

Objectives. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among nurses in Bahrain and determine the factors that contribute to the occurrence of these symptoms. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from a convenience sample of 550 nurses working in three hospitals in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms in the last 12 months was assessed using the self-administered Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ). Results. A total of 550 nurses participated in the study. Most were females (n = 488, 89.1%) between 31 and 40 years of age (n = 239, 43.8%). The overall self-reported prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints of all joints in the past 12 months was 88.1%. The highest prevalence was in the lower back (72.3%), followed by the shoulder (52.8%) and the neck (49%). The lowest prevalence was the elbow (12.1%). The prevalence of lower back symptoms was significantly associated with age (p < 0.001), coexisting medical conditions (p < 0.001), area of practice (p < 0.001), number of tasks (p < 0.001) and types of shifts (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The findings indicate a high prevalence of symptoms among nurses. There is a need to implement strategies in healthcare facilities to improve working environment conditions and reduce the prevalence rate.

Distúrbios osteomusculares autorreferidos entre os trabalhadores da limpeza urbana

Objetivou-se avaliar a prevalência autorreferida de distúrbios osteomusculares entre os trabalhadores da limpeza urbana. Foi realizado estudo descritivo, de prevalência com abordagem quantitativa, tendo sido realizado no município de Patos – PB com 38 agentes da limpeza urbana local (60,1% do universo de pesquisa). A coleta de dados foi realizada entre os meses de setembro a outubro a partir da aplicação de dois questionários. O primeiro contemplou variáveis sociais, demográficas, profissionais e clínicas dos pesquisados e o segundo foi o instrumento validado denominado de Questionário Nórdico de Sintomas Osteomusculares. Os dados foram analisados no Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, versão 21 e realizou-se estatística descritiva e inferencial (correlação não paramétrica Spearman e a correlação bisserial por ponto). Aceitou-se como estatisticamente significativo um p &lt; 0,05. Constatou-se que a prevalência autorreferida de sintomas osteomusculares foi de 45,9% (n=18), haja vista tais trabalhadores relataram a presença de dor, formigamento e dormência no corpo nos últimos 12 meses, com maior acometimento na região lombar (10,5%). Também, 15,8% (n=6) relataram impedimento de realizar atividades normais nos últimos 12 meses em decorrência destes problemas, bem como consultaram profissional de saúde nos últimos 12 meses por problemas osteomusculares e tiveram algum problema osteomuscular nos últimos sete dias. Os achados indicaram significativa prevalência autorreferida de distúrbios osteomusculares entre os agentes da limpeza urbana. O quadro demanda intervenções no campo da promoção da saúde no trabalho.

WORK RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS: A SURVEY OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN TRICITY

Background:&nbsp;Musculoskeletal system disorders are common among health care workers worldwide. They are common causes of severe long-term pain and physical disability. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are defined as “regional impairments of the muscles, tendons, nerves and joints. Physiotherapy can lead to WRMSDs in physiotherapist because of the nature of their profession. Despite of having expert knowledge of musculoskeletal injuries and injury prevention strategies they still report a high incidence of work-related injuries during their professional practice due to their training and continuous professional developmentMethods: A total of 100 Physiotherapists which included 78 females and 22 males in the age group of 21 to 40 years were recruited in the study. The subjects were taken as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria from Tricity.Results:&nbsp;Pearson’s correlation and Chi square analysis was used to determine correlation and the association of prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms with personal characteristics, job risk factors and coping strategies. The data obtained from this study documents that majority of Physiotherapists have experienced WRMSDs at some time. The prevalence of WRMSDs among Physiotherapists in Tricity is high (91%). The most common risk factors identified in the present study were dealing with an excessive number of patients in one day; continuing to work while injured or hurt; lifting or transferring dependent patients and work scheduling. In present study, the low back and neck regions were the most commonly affected site among physiotherapists (72.5%) each followed by upper back (28.6 %), shoulder (20.9%), wrist and hand (17.6%), knee (12.1%), ankle and foot (12.1%) and hip (7.70%)Conclusions:&nbsp;Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are an important health risk within the physiotherapy profession. The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among the Physiotherapists in Tricity is high that is 91%. Hence, it supports the research hypothesis of the present study. It is also concluded that the low back and neck (72.5% each) are the most common sites susceptible to injury followed by upper back and shoulder

The prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among loggers in Poland

This paper presents an analysis of the occurrence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms (MSD) among loggers in Poland. As a diagnostic tool, a modified Nordic questionnaire was used. The questionnaire was completed by 353 professional loggers. The results showed the dominant MSD symptoms during the last twelve months to be those of the lower back (66.3%) and hands/wrists (left 50.1%, right 51.3%). A significant percentage of respondents also reported symptoms of the upper back (45.6%), shoulders (38.2% for each shoulder), and knees (left 36.0%, right 39.4%). Statistically significant relationships were found between the age of the subjects, the work experience, and the number of body regions in which MSD symptoms were reported during the last twelve months. These results show that education and recommendations to use safe working postures, techniques and organization of work with a chainsaw should still be improved. Relevance to industryThis paper analyzes the prevalence of MSD symptoms among Polish loggers and provides a basis for the implementation of preventative measures.

Working conditions of Iranian hand-sewn shoe workers and associations with musculoskeletal symptoms

The working conditions and the prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among 180 Iranian hand-sewn shoe workers were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected using both questionnaire (for assessing musculoskeletal symptoms and associated risk factors) and direct observations of posture (by the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment [RULA] method). The prevalence and severity of symptoms was very high among the study population. The mean RULA grand score of 6.2 indicates that in most cases the workers' postures at their workstations need to be investigated and some changes are required immediately. Multiple logistic regression models indicated that the job experience, daily working hours, duration of continuous work without breaks, feeling pressure due to work and working postures were significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms of different body regions. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for hand-sewing tasks. These findings can help to better understand the working conditions of those jobs involving hand-sewing operation and highlight the potential for ergonomic interventions to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms among these working groups.Practitioner Summary: Working conditions of hand-sewn shoe workers and their musculoskeletal symptoms were investigated. The prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms was very high among the study population. Poor working postures, feeling pressure due to work, long duration of work without breaks and prolonged daily working hours were positively associated with musculoskeletal symptoms.

Impact of musculoskeletal symptoms on general physical activity during nursing education

Nursing education should prepare students for a lifelong professional career including managing clinical physical demands. Musculoskeletal symptoms, such as bodily pain, have been reported among nurses and nursing students but less is known about the impact of symptoms in daily activities. The aim was to explore the prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms and their impact on general physical activity among nursing students. This cross-sectional study was based on a questionnaire to all undergraduate nursing students at one university. The prevalence of symptoms and physical impact during past 3 and 12 months was calculated for each study year. Odds ratio was analysed with logistic regression. Of 348 students 224 responded, 84% women, mean age 24.6 years (range 20–46). Of those 143 (64%) reporting symptoms during the past 12 months, 91 (64%) reported impact on physical activities. Most commonly reported were everyday activities such as transportations and prolonged sitting. The odds ratio for reporting symptoms was 1.8 for year 2 (95% CI: 0.9–3.5), and 4.7 for year 3 (95% CI: 2.1–10.7). The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was high among nursing students and higher the final study year and not only resulted in discomfort but had an impact on the students' general physical activities.

Association between psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal symptoms among Iranian nurses

While psychosocial factors have been associated with musculoskeletal symptoms among nurses in some countries, previous studies of Iranian nurses show little association using a demand and control questionnaire. The aim of this study is to assess and evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and to assess their relationships with psychosocial factors among nurses in Iran. In a cross-sectional study, 347 hospital nurses completed a self-reported questionnaire containing the Standardized Nordic questionnaire for musculoskeletal symptoms and the General Nordic questionnaire for Psychological and Social factors at work (QPS Nordic 34+ Questionnaire). Prevalence of low back pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, and neck pain were 73.2%, 68.7%, 48.6%, and 46.3%, respectively. Middle and high stress groups had higher crude and adjusted odds than the low stress group for all body sites. The association for neck, wrist/hand, and upper back and ankle/foot reports (adjusted odds ratio for high stress ranging from 2.4 to 3.0) were statistically significant. We observed a high prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms at a number of body sites, which were associated with psychosocial factors and specifically stress as defined by the QPS Nordic 34+ Questionnaire.

Differences in prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among computer and non-computer users in a Nigerian population: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundLiterature abounds on the prevalent nature of Self Reported Musculoskeletal Symptoms (SRMS) among computer users, but studies that actually compared this with non computer users are meagre thereby reducing the strength of the evidence. This study compared the prevalence of SRMS between computer and non computer users and assessed the risk factors associated with SRMS.MethodsA total of 472 participants comprising equal numbers of age and sex matched computer and non computer users were assessed for the presence of SRMS. Information concerning musculoskeletal symptoms and discomforts from the neck, shoulders, upper back, elbows, wrists/hands, low back, hips/thighs, knees and ankles/feet were obtained using the Standardized Nordic questionnaire.ResultsThe prevalence of SRMS was significantly higher in the computer users than the non computer users both over the past 7 days (χ2 = 39.11, p = 0.001) and during the past 12 month durations (χ2 = 53.56, p = 0.001). The odds of reporting musculoskeletal symptoms was least for participants above the age of 40 years (OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.31-0.64 over the past 7 days and OR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.47-0.77 during the past 12 months) and also reduced in female participants. Increasing daily hours and accumulated years of computer use and tasks of data processing and designs/graphics significantly (p < 0.05) increased the risk of reporting musculoskeletal symptoms. Over the past 7 day duration, the neck (33.9%) and low back (11.4%) had highest prevalence of SRMS for the computer and non computer users respectively.ConclusionThe prevalence of SRMS was significantly higher in the computer users than the non computer users and younger age, being male, working longer hours daily, increasing years of computer use, data entry tasks and computer designs/graphics were the significant risk factors for reporting musculoskeletal symptoms among the computer users. Computer use may explain the increase in prevalence of SRMS among the computer users.

Prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms in salespersons

Salespersons are required to stand for long periods of time during work. Prolonged standing is one physical factor contributing to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms in the working population. To estimate the 12-month prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms in the head/neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists/hands, upper back, low back, hips, knees and ankles/feet in salespersons. A cross-sectional survey using a descriptive questionnaire was used to evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms in 1310 female salespersons in 18 department stores. Of the 1200 subjects (92%) who completed the questionnaire, 1189 were eligible for inclusion in the study. The 1-year prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms was 77%. The ankle/foot (35%) was the most frequently affected body region followed by low back (34%), knees (33%), hips (28%), shoulders (28%), head/neck (26%), upper back (21%), wrists/hands (14%) and elbows (3%). The older the salespersons were, the more likely they were to report knee symptoms (P < 0.05). Salespersons with a body mass index (BMI) >23 kg/m(2) were more likely to report knee symptoms than those with a BMI <18.5 kg/m(2) (P < 0.05). Musculoskeletal symptoms are common among salespersons with a high proportion experiencing symptoms in the low back, knees and ankles/feet. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the knees is associated with age and BMI. Attention should be given to developing specific measures to reduce or prevent musculoskeletal symptoms in salespersons.

Biopsychosocial Factors Are Associated with High Prevalence of Self-reported Musculoskeletal Symptoms in the Lower Extremities Among Office Workers

Little attention has been given to musculoskeletal symptoms in the lower extremities among office workers. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between the self-reported prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the hip, knee and ankle/foot and individual, work-related physical and psychosocial factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in which 2000 office workers from 54 workplaces in Bangkok registered at the Social Security Office of Thailand received a self-administered questionnaire. Of those, 1428 (71%) returned the questionnaire. After screening for exclusion criteria, 1185 office workers were eligible for the study. The prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms in the hip, knee and ankle/foot was associated with certain individual, work-related physical and psychosocial factors. Mental demands and work repetitiveness were each significantly associated with the prevalence of experiencing hip symptoms. Suffering from a chronic disease, the average number of working hours/day, sleep quality and self-rated perception of air circulation in the office were significantly related to the prevalence of experiencing knee symptoms. Significant associations were found between the prevalence of experiencing ankle/foot symptoms and sleep quality, self-rated perception of the ergonomics of the desk and size of office space and frequency of feeling frustrated during the previous 4 weeks. Results of this study indicated that several biopsychosocial factors were associated with a high prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms in the lower extremities among office workers. Further prospective studies are required to substantiate the observed associations.

Associations between Prevalence of Self‐reported Musculoskeletal Symptoms of the Spine and Biopsychosocial Factors among Office Workers

To investigate the relationships between the self-reported prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck, upper back and low back and certain individual, work-related physical and psychosocial factors. We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a descriptive questionnaire, which was distributed to 2000 office workers in 54 workplaces, in Bangkok, registered at the Social Security Office of Thailand. Returns were 1,428 (71%) questionnaires, and after screening for exclusion criteria, 1,185 office workers were found to be eligible for the study. For the head/neck region, frequently working in an uncomfortable posture increased the risk of experiencing head/neck symptoms (adjusted OR=1.81, 95% CI=1.35-2.44). For the upper back region, frequent trunk bending during work increased the risk of experiencing upper back symptoms (adjusted OR=1.80, 95% CI=1.32-2.44) whereas working in a job that required little interaction with others decreased the risk of experiencing upper back symptoms (adjusted OR=0.42, 95% CI=0.25-0.68). For the low back region, working for >8 h a day showed an elevated risk for low back symptoms (adjusted OR=1.66, 95% CI=1.25-2.22). Some biopsychosocial factors were associated with the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the spine among office workers. Further research should focus on these factors in order to develop specific strategies to reduce the occurrence of such symptoms in the office environment.

Musculoskeletal symptoms and perceived work strain among reindeer herders in Sweden

There is a shortage of knowledge on the extent of musculoskeletal symptoms in reindeer husbandry. To investigate the prevalence and relative risk for musculoskeletal symptoms and perceived psychosocial work strain among reindeer herders. The prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms during the last week and last year, respectively, were obtained from male reindeer herders (n=74) of northern Sweden. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were calculated using two reference groups-women of reindeer-herding families (n=53) and men in blue-collar occupations (n=194). Comparisons were made of perceived job strain between the study and reference groups. Associations between job strain factors and the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms from different body regions were analysed with regression statistics. The PRs for musculoskeletal symptoms from the hand/wrist (PR 3.48, 95% CI 1.86-6.50) and lower back (PR 1.44, 95% CI 1.06-1.95) were significantly higher among the reindeer herders in comparison with men working with other blue-collar occupations. The reindeer herders reported significantly higher work demands and decision latitude compared with both reference groups (P<0.05). Significant associations were observed between demands and prevalence of symptoms from the lower back (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.01-2.01) and from at least one body region (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.07-2.32). The relative risk for musculoskeletal symptoms, particularly from the hands/wrists and lower back, was high among reindeer herders. It is suggested that musculoskeletal symptoms constitute a considerable health problem in modern reindeer husbandry, which calls for implementation of preventive measures addressing psychosocial, physical and socio-economic risk factors.

Prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among office workers

To date, no study has investigated the prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms in all the body regions in the general population of office workers. To estimate the 12-month prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms in the head/neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists/hands, upper back, low back, hips, knees and ankles/feet among office workers. We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a descriptive questionnaire distributed to 2000 office workers in 54 workplaces. A total of 1428 subjects (71%) returned the questionnaire, of whom 1185 were eligible for the study. The annual prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms attributed to work was 63%. Sites of symptoms, in order of prevalence, were head/neck (42%), low back (34%), upper back (28%), wrists/hands (20%), shoulders (16%), ankles/feet (13%), knees (12%), hips (6%) and elbows (5%). Female office workers were more likely to report symptoms in the head/neck, shoulder, upper back and ankle/foot regions than male counterparts (P < 0.05). Office workers younger than 30 years were more likely to have symptoms in the upper back than those older than 49 years (P < 0.05). Musculoskeletal symptoms are common among office workers with a high proportion experiencing symptoms in the spine. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in some body regions is dependent on gender and age. This indicates a need to develop specific strategies to reduce the occurrence of such symptoms among office workers.