Work-related Pain Research Articles

Surgeon symptoms, strain, and selections: Systematic review and meta-analysis of surgical ergonomics.

BackgroundMany surgeons experience work-related pain and musculoskeletal symptoms; however, comprehensive reporting of surgeon ailments is lacking in the literature. We sought to evaluate surgeons' work-related symptoms, possible causes of these symptoms, and to report outcomes associated with those symptoms.Materials and methodsFive major medical indices were queried for articles published between 1980 and 2014. Included articles evaluated musculoskeletal symptoms and ergonomic outcomes in surgeons. A meta-analysis using a fixed-effect model was used to report pooled results.ResultsForty articles with 5152 surveyed surgeons were included. Sixty-eight percent of surgeons surveyed reported generalized pain. Site-specific pain included pain in the back (50%), neck (48%), and arm or shoulder (43%). Fatigue was reported by 71% of surgeons, numbness by 37%, and stiffness by 45%. Compared with surgeons performing open surgery, surgeons performing minimally invasive surgery (MIS) were significantly more likely to experience pain in the neck (OR 2.77 [95% CI 1.30–5.93]), arm or shoulder (OR 4.59 [2.19–9.61]), hands (OR 2.99 [1.33–6.71], and legs (OR 12.34 [5.43–28.06]) and experience higher odds of fatigue (8.09 [5.60–11.70]) and numbness (6.82 [1.75–26.65]). Operating exacerbated pain in 61% of surgeons, but only 29% sought treatment for their symptoms. We found no direct association between muscles strained and symptoms.ConclusionsMost surgeons report work-related symptoms but are unlikely to seek medical attention. MIS surgeons are significantly more likely to experience musculoskeletal symptoms than surgeons performing open surgery. Symptoms experienced do not necessarily correlate with strain.

Work-related musculoskeletal pain and its association with common mental disorders among employees of a poultry producing company in Southern Brazil.

Musculoskeletal pain is one of the most common occupational problems in the industrial society and its prevalence is potentially associated with mental disorders. To estimate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal pain and its association with occurrence of common mental disorders among employees of a poultry processing company in Southern Brazil. Cross-sectional study conducted in 2010 with 1,103 employees aged 18 to 52 years old. Musculoskeletal pain was investigated based on a human figure adapted from the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. We considered reported work-related pain in any part of the body in the past 12 months. Occurrence of common mental disorders was assessed- by the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20). Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were obtained by Poisson regression with robust variance. The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal pain was 40.3% (95%CI 37.4-43.2) for the total sample, 46.8% (95%CI 43.2-50.5) for women and 27.8% (95%CI 23.2-32.3) for men. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was twice higher for the participants with common mental disorders compared to those without this condition (PR=2.27; 95%CI 1.99-2.58). This effect remained significant after adjustment for sociodemographic, behavioral, health-related and occupational variables. The results of the present study point to the relevance of preventive measures to promote the mental and physical health of workers in order to reduce or minimize the occurrence of pain.

An Exercise Rehabilitative Solution to Work-Related Musculoskeletal Lower Back Pain among Nurses

The attrition of professional nurses is a sad reality. Work-related musculoskeletal lower back pain (WRMLBP) among nurses has been cited as a factor of increased sick leave and poor health. Occupational predisposing factors of lower back pain are strenuous physical stresses of nursing, obesity and poor physical conditioning. Regular stretching and strengthening exercises dissipate lower back pain. This commentary’s objectives are to explain the association between obesity and lower back pain and the exercise mechanism that dissipates this pain, thereby concluding that nurses should consider regular exercise as a therapeutic option.

Efficacy of mulligan's self-sustained natural apophyseal glides in decreasing pain, disability, and improving neck mobility among the nursing professional suffering from work-related neck pain

Background and Aim: Prevalence of neck pain in nursing professionals (NPs) is much higher than in the general population. However, concrete evidence is not available regarding the efficacy of the therapeutic intervention for treating neck pain among them. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of Mulligan's self-sustained natural apophyseal glides (SNAGs) and conventional physiotherapy in the management of work-related neck pain (WRNP) among the NPs. Materials and Methods: A total of 38 NPs with WRNP were recruited using the simple random sampling (lottery method) to participate in this two group such as pretest–posttest and single-blinded randomized controlled study from recognized tertiary care teaching hospital. Recruited NPs were randomly allocated into two groups such as Group A and Group B. NP in Group A taught self-SNAGs with a towel and instructed to perform 10 repetitions ×1 set/two hour ×4 times/day for 5 days/week ×2 weeks. Whereas in Group B, NPs received conventional physiotherapy treatment, consist of neck isometrics, and performed for 10 s ×10 repetitions ×1 set/day ×5 days/week ×2 weeks. Both groups were asked to use the hot pack for 15 min, before their intervention. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, neck disability index (NDI), and cervical range of motion (ROM) were documented at baseline, 2nd-week postintervention, and 4th-week follow-up period and analyzed. Results: Group A revealed statistical significance difference (P < 0.05) in VAS, NDI, and neck ROM when compared to Group B. Conclusion: Mulligan's self-SNAGs have proved to be more beneficial over the conventional physiotherapy in the management of WRNP among the NPs.

Prevalence of Neck Pain among Self Employed Sewing Machine Workers in Northern Gondar, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Introduction: Neck pain is one the major problem for working population, however it is usually neglected from clinical and research perspective as sewing machine operators are very often utilized for predicting risk factors for neck pain. Therefore considering the fact that there is alarming rise of incidence of neck pain and very little studies had addressed on this area in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess the prevalence of neck pain and its associated factors among sewing machine workers in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia, 2016 Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 01 to June 01 2016, in Gondar town among self-employed sewing machine workers by using stratified simple random sampling method to get the total samples of 419 participants by single proportion formula. Structured face to face interview questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data on magnitude of work-related neck pain and associated factors. Result: From a total of 419 sewing machine workers included in the study 391(93.3%) were males and 28(6.7%) were females. Most of the respondents 135(32.2%) were in the age group of 30-39 years. The self-reported annual prevalence of work related neck pain among sewing machine workers was 45.8%, with higher prevalence among male workers 46.3%. The multivariate analysis showed that those employees who worked >8 hours per day were 2.6 times more likely to develop neck musculoskeletal disorders than those who had worked 8 hours per day [AOR=2.60, 95% CI: 1.19, 5.66]. Conclusion: Generally, there is high prevalence of neck pain among self-employed sewing machine workers in the study area. As the contributing factors exacerbation of the symptoms of neck pain working above the normal hour is strongly associated with the development of neck pain among sewing machine operators.

Risk Factor, Job Stress and Quality of Life in Workers With Lower Extremity Pain Who Use Video Display Terminals.

ObjectiveTo investigate the general characteristics of video display terminal (VDT) workers with lower extremity pain, to identify the risk factors of work-related lower extremity pain, and to examine the relationship between work stress and health-related quality of life.MethodsA questionnaire about the general characteristics of the survey group and the musculoskeletal symptom was used. A questionnaire about job stress used the Korean Occupational Stress Scale and medical outcome study 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) to assess health-related quality of life.ResultsThere were 1,711 subjects in the lower extremity group and 2,208 subjects in the control group. Age, sex, hobbies, and feeling of loading affected lower extremity pain as determined in a crossover analysis of all variables with and without lower extremity pain. There were no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of job stress and SF-36 values of the pain and control groups.ConclusionJob stress in VDT workers was higher than average, and the quality of life decreased as the stress increased. Factors such as younger age, women, hobbies other than exercise, and feeling of loading influenced lower extremity pain of workers. Further long-term follow-up and supplementary studies are needed to identify risk factors for future lower extremity pain, taking into account ergonomic factors such as worker's posture.

Neck Pain Among Otolaryngologists, Head and Neck Surgeons

Introduction: Neck pain is one of the most frequent complaints among the general population, especially for health care professionals and otolaryngologists, who are likely to develop work-related neck pain . Objective: To determine the prevalence of neck pain among otolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons (ORL HNS). This study also aimed at assessing the effects of neck pain on overall quality of life. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the 10th International Saudi Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery Conference in March 2016, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study included ORL HNS. Results: A total of 92 ORL HNS participated in the survey. General ORL doctors comprised the majority of respondents (32.6%), followed by rhinologists (28.3%). Most physicians (48.9%) had practiced for 5–20 years. A high proportion of respondents (81.4%) complained of neck pain; of these, 14.1% reported that this symptom was affecting their work. Some respondents reported stiffness (49.2%), weakness (5.1%), or paresthesia (8.5%). The Neck Disability Index showed that 34.8% of the respondents had mild disability; 54.3% had moderate disability whereas 10.9% had severe disability. Conclusion: The number of surgery days per month and duration of practice appeared to affect physicians’ quality of life, suggesting that workload increases neck symptoms.

NECK AND UPPER LIMB PAIN AMONG GYNECOLOGISTS WORKING AT MENOUFIA GOVERNORATE IN EGYPT

Introduction: Little attention was paid to explore the prevalence of neck and upper limb pain among gynecologists particularly those who perform laparoscopic procedures.Aim of work: To assess the frequency of pain in the neck and upper limbs among gynecologists working at Menoufia governorate in Egypt and to explore common risk factors. Materials and methods: A pre-designed questionnaire was sent to 642 gynecologists who worked at Menoufia governorate in Egypt; 583 were returned (90.8%). Descriptive and analytical statistical analyses were performed to assess the frequency of pain in neck and upper limb and to detect their risk factors. Results: Among 583 gynecologists, 293 (50.3%) were male and 290 (49.7%) were females; age ranged from 27 to 60 years old, out of them 315 (54.03%) experienced neck and/or upper limb pain. Most of the affected participants experience pain 1-2 times/week (80.6%), received medical treatment for pain (92.7%), applied for sick leave 1-2 times/month (77.1%) and taught that attaining certain posture while operating is the main cause of their pain (73.3%). Age above 45 years (odd’s ratio 1.45), clinical practice over 15 years, laparoscopic procedures (odd’s ratio 1.88), more than ten operations per week (odd’s ratio 2.78) and operations took more than one hour (odd’s ratio 2.10) increase the risk for developing neck and/or upper limb pain. Conclusion: This study revealed that neck and/or upper limb pain is common among gynecologic laparoscopists. Adoption of ergonomic posture and decreasing working hours when performing laparoscopic procedures may help to minimize the risk of a work-related pain. Future research should explore the implementation of ergonomic guidelines and correlation with subsequent improvement of outcome.

A study on the influence of ergonomics on the prevalence of chronic pain disorders among dentists

Background: Dentists are prone for chronic pain especially neck and back pain owing to the following risk factors as a part of their practice-repetitive movements, maintenance of awkward body postures for a long time and tasks that require fine motor skills and close visual focus. The term - Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), which result from poor ergonomics, refers to conditions that involve the nerves, tendons, muscles and supporting structures of the body.Methods: 248 dentists in Bangalore were asked to respond to a questionnaire about their practice pattern (years of practice, hours of work, specialization, two-handed/four handed dentistry, use of magnifications etc), their general lifestyle including exercise, fitness patterns, prevalence of MSDs and their general awareness regarding MSDs. The responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, univariate analysis and Chi-square tests.Results: In our study 95.16% (n=236) and 90.32% (n=224) respondents reported MSDs in the past and in the previous 12 months of the study respectively. 54.84% (n=136) reported at least one episode of backache, 51.61% (n=128) reported neck pain, 19.35% (n=48) reported pain in the shoulder and 32.25% (n=80) reported pain in the wrist and/or hand in the previous 12 months. Our study found considerable influence of the hours of work, use of assistant and magnification on Backache, Neck pain and wrist/hand pain.Conclusions: Work-related pain being common and multifactorial, any possible solution should also be multifactorial and can be managed effectively using a multifaceted approach and the strategies for prevention and care are also discussed.

Chronic low back pain and the transdiagnostic process: How do cognitive and emotional dysregulations contribute to the intensity of risk factors and pain?

Background and aimsBased on a transdiagnostic approach, this study assesses the impact of cognitive and emotional processes (difficulties in emotional regulation, impulsiveness, rumination and somatosensory amplification) on the psychological risk factors of chronic low-back pain. MethodsThe study was carried out with 256 patients with chronic low-back pain. All the variables were assessed through a booklet of 10 validated questionnaires. Multiple regression analysis and moderation analysis were performed. ResultsPredictors included in multiple regression models explain 3%–42% (adjusted R2) of the variance in psychological risk factors. Moreover, analyses reveal a significant moderator effect of somatosensory amplification on the link between fear-avoidance beliefs linked to work and pain intensity (F(3;250)=12.33; p=.00), of somatosensory amplification and brooding on the link between depression and functional repercussions (FR) on everyday life (F(3;252)=13.36; p=.000; F(1;252)=12.42; p=.00), of the reflection dimension of rumination on the link between the helplessness dimension of catastrophizing and FRs on sociability (F(3;252)=37.02; p=.00). There is also a moderation analysis with a significant trend concerning the lack of emotional awareness and the difficulties in controlling impulsive behaviours. ConclusionsOur results indicate an important role of some dimensions of difficulties in emotional regulation, somatosensory amplification and rumination in the increase in negative affects and dysfunctional beliefs, and in the links between those psychological risk factors and pain/disability. ImplicationsThis study identifies some cognitive and emotional dysregulations substantially involved in work-related chronic pain. This contribute to put in place psychotherapeutic protocols to tackle these deficits and dysregulations in a relevant way.

Chiropractic curriculum mapping and congruence of the evidence for workplace interventions in work-related neck pain.

The purpose of this study was to provide a best-synthesis summary of the literature for effective workplace health promotion interventions (WHPI) for work-related mechanical neck pain (MNP) and to determine the congruence between knowledge of WHPI for work-related MNP and coverage of MNP in the chiropractic postgraduate program at Macquarie University. A literature review was undertaken to determine effective WHPI for work-related MNP. We searched Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PEDro (from 1991 to 2016) for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The PRISMA (2009) 27-item checklist was used to critically appraise included articles. Lectures, tutorials, and assessment tasks within the chiropractic postgraduate program were mapped to the literature review findings and analyzed. There was moderate-quality evidence for multidimensional WHPI, including aspects of mental and physical functioning, activity performance and modifications, and environmental modifications, to reduce MNP and disability in workers, particularly in the long term. Education on coverage of MNP and effective WHPI for MNP was inadequately covered although congruent with synthesis of current literature. Education on body functions and structures and personal factors were the most commonly covered components. Multidimensional WHPI, focusing on physical, mental, and environmental modifications, appear to reduce self-reported MNP primarily in office workers. There is adequate congruence between the chiropractic postgraduate program at Macquarie University and the published literature on some WHPI. However, there is inadequate coverage on aspects of MNP and effective WHPI for MNP, particularly those focusing on activity and participation and environmental factors.

The effects of physical and psychosocial factors and ergonomic conditions on the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dentists in Malaysia.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have been recognized as one of the main occupational health problems for dentists. Many studies have suggested that dentists experience work-related pain or discomfort in the neck, shoulder, and back, as well as in other parts of the body. This study aimed to examine the relationship between specific physical and psychosocial factors and/or ergonomic conditions on MSD symptoms among dentists in Malaysia. A group of 85 dentists was asked to complete a questionnaire to determine whether their complaints were related to physical and psychosocial factors and/or ergonomic conditions in their practices. Among the nine reviewed body areas, the shoulders were most often affected by symptoms of MSDs (92.7%). Moreover, MSDs of the neck and upper back were most likely to prevent these practitioners from engaging in normal activities (32.9%). In general, no significant differences were found in the prevalence of MSD symptoms in relation to gender, age, body mass index, years in practice, number of patients, and frequency of breaks. Our results were consistent with those reported in other studies that focused on MSD problems among dentists in other countries. To reduce the prevalence of MSDs, more attention should be paid to instituting ergonomically sensible approaches in the dental practice setting.

Comparison of the effectiveness of resistance training in women with chronic computer-related neck pain: a randomized controlled study.

Chronic computer-related neck pain is common among office workers. Studies have proposed neck strengthening exercise as a therapy to pain relieving and function improvement. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of different loading resistance trainings and we hypothesized that women with work-related neck pain could benefit more from progressive resistance training for pain and function recovery. A randomized controlled trial was conducted and subjects characterized by monotonous jobs were recruited. One hundred and nine employed women with chronic neck pain were randomly allocated into three groups, namely, progressive resistance training (PRT), fixed resistance training (FRT), and control group (CG). In PRT and FRT, four exercises for neck muscles with an elastic rubber band were performed on regular basis for 6weeks. The therapeutic effectiveness was then evaluated at pretreatment, 2, 4, and 6weeks during training period, and 3-month posttreatment. Assessment tools included visual analog scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and maximal isometric neck strength. The outcomes were significantly better in PRT and FRT than those in CG at 6-week timepoint and 3-month follow-up (p=0.000), in terms of VAS, NDI, PPT, and neck muscle strength. Besides, there were statistically significant decreases observed in VAS scores of PRT group compared with those in FRT at 4-, 6-week timepoints, and 3-month follow-up (p<0.05). The neck resistance training was an effective method for pain relieving, mobility improving, pain threshold, and neck muscle strength enhancing in women with chronic computer-related neck pain. Thus, our study provided evidence that women with work-related neck pain might benefit more from PRT, which may have important implications for future clinical practice. The study was qualified and registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry as ChiCTR-TRC-12002723.

Evaluation of Working Postures at a Garden Maintenance Service to Reduce Musculoskeletal Disorder Risk (A Case Study of PT. Dewijaya Agrigemilang Jakarta)

This research is carried out in order to evaluate the working postures of seven workers with different job categories at a garden maintenance service. These seven categories of works are divided into 23 work elements. The aim of this research is to investigate the presence of work- related pain symptoms, find all risk related to poor working postures, and finally propose sets of recommendations for improvement of working methods. Nordic Body Map questionnaire is used in the study to detect the occurrences of workrelated pain. Meanwhile, risk level assessment for working postures was carried out by means of Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method. All the two applied on seven job categories of workers. The results showed that all workers observed experienced with pain symptoms both after and be fore carry out the work. According to REBA analysis, there are 82.6% medium level risk workin g elements, 10.9% high level risk, 4.3% very high level risk, and 2.2% low level risk. Recommen dation for improvement of working posture was given for work element, namely fertilizer sowing (very high level risk), hedge trimming (high level risk), and pesticide spraying (high level risk). Implementation of these proposed improvements result on diminishing the frequency of occurren ce and the level of risk on physical pain.

Group-based exercise at workplace: short-term effects of neck and shoulder resistance training in video display unit workers with work-related chronic neck pain-a pilot randomized trial.

Effectiveness of exercise therapy in video display unit (VDU) workers with work-related chronic neck pain (W-RCNP) is unclear. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of group-based neck-shoulder resistance exercises on symptoms and muscular function in VDU workers with W-RCNP. Thirty-five employees with CNP were randomly assigned to neck-shoulder resistance exercise (NSRE) group or to conventional stretching and postural exercise (SPE) group. Participants trained 45min, twice a week for 7weeks. Primary outcomes were pain intensity (0-10 numeric rating scale, NRS) and pain-related disability (Vernon Neck Disability Index, NDI). Secondary outcomes were cervical active range of motion (AROM), endurance of neck flexors, strength of shoulder abductors, and health-related quality of life (SF-36). Post-treatment, pain and disability decreased 2.5 and 5 points in NSRE (p=0.001) and 5 and 8 points in SPE (p=0.002), with no significant differences between groups. AROM improved significantly in both groups; between-group differences were not significant. Neck flexors endurance and shoulder abductors strength improved by 59.6 and 34.2% (p=0.001) in the NSRE group and by 27.6% (p=0.009) and 2.3% (p=0.002) in the SPE group; between-group differences were significant (p=0.016 and p<0.001, respectively). SF-36 score remained unchanged. NSRE and SPE are feasible and equally effective in reducing pain and pain-related disability as group exercises in W-RCNP. NSRE may provide some advantage in improving strength and endurance in neck muscles. Further, larger studies should confirm these findings and assess whether a better muscle function confers long-term clinical advantages.

Lower limb pain among workers: a cross-sectional analysis of the fifth European Working Conditions Survey

ObjectiveDevelop a model to predict the prevalence of lower limb pain using indicators of high workplace exposures based on the fifth European Working Conditions Survey, evaluate its impact and explore its significance for work-related health problems.MethodCross-sectional interview data of 35,372 workers from 27 countries of the European Union in 2010 (EU27) were used to develop (20% sample) and validate (80% sample) a logistic regression model for lower limb pain. Independent variables included descriptions of working conditions, assessments of physical and psychosocial exposures at work, and demographic factors. The impact of the model was explored through the amount of lower limb pain cases attributable to work and estimating work absences correlated with lower limb pain.ResultsThe resulting logistic model included ten risks indicators and one preventive factor. The highest odds ratios (OR) corresponded to “tiring or painful positions” OR 2.0, 99% confidence interval (99% CI) 1.9–2.2, and “not satisfied with level of working conditions in the job” (OR 1.6, 99% CI 1.5–1.7). The prevalence of work-related lower limb pain was 16.5% for men and 15.8% for women for the 27 countries of the European Union. Estimates based on the developed model revealed more than 34 million cases of work-related lower limb pain, where four physical risks explained about 22 million cases. In addition, more than 3 million days of absence from work in 2010 could be attributed to lower limb pain.ConclusionLower limb pain is highly prevalent among the European workforce and work exposures are a major contributing factor. Effective workplace interventions should aim at improving working conditions at workplaces with multiple risks.

Physical risk factors for developing non-specific neck pain in office workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Identifying risk factors associated with the development of work-related neck pain in office workers is necessary to facilitate the development of prevention strategies that aim to minimise this prevalent and costly health problem. The aim of this systematic review is to identify individual worker (e.g., lifestyle activity, muscular strength, and posture) and workplace (e.g., ergonomics and work environment) physical factors associated with the development of non-specific neck pain in office workers. Studies from 1980 to 2016 were identified by an electronic search of Pubmed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Psychlnfo and Proquest databases. Two authors independently screened search results, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the epidemiological appraisal instrument (EAI). A random effect model was used to estimate the risk of physical factors for neck pain. Twenty papers described the findings of ten prospective cohort studies and two randomized controlled trials. Low satisfaction with the workplace environment (pooled RR 1.28; CI 1.07-1.55), keyboard position close to the body [pooled RR 1.46; (CI 1.07-1.99)], low work task variation [RR 1.27; CI (1.08-1.50)] and self-perceived medium/high muscular tension (pooled RR 2.75/1.82; CI 1.60 /1.14-4.72/2.90) were found to be risk factors for the development of neck pain. This review found evidence for a few number of physical risk factors for the development of neck pain, however, there was also either limited or conflicting factors. Recommendations for future studies evaluating risk factors are reported and how these may contribute to the prevention of neck pain in office workers.

Occupational Health Problems among Dentists in Croatia.

To assess the health status among dentists in Croatia regarding the symptoms of musculoskeletal, dermatological, sight, hearing and neurological disorders. The anonymous online survey was conducted among 506 Croatian dentists. It was found that over 78.18% of the surveyed dentists experienced work related pain in upper back, 76.97% of them in lower back. Work-related skin problems were reported by 29.29% of dentists. Vision problems were reported by 46.87% and hearing problems by 19.03% of participants. Neurological disorders were reported by 15.76% of dentists. This study is the first to report on the overall health status of Croatian dentists and, unfortunately, it showed undesirable results. Numerous health hazards, increased professional requirements and limited ergonomics in the work environment of Croatian dental practitioners cause various health disorders, and the prevalence of occupational diseases is very high.

Insomnia and habits to help to fall asleep among adults

The quality of sleep can be influenced by several factors, insomnia in turn has an effect on the state of health. The aim of our survey is to measure the effects of insomnia, furthermore, the sleep affecting agents and habits to help to fall asleep among adults. We collected the online nationwide and the written datas from the South-Transdanubia region, 455 adults filled the questionnaire which contains the Athens Insomnia Scale. 13.4% of participants has insomnia, it is influenced by the quality of diet (p<0.001), comsumption of coffee (p = 0.045) and the physical activity (p = 0.011), what is more in correlation with the prevalency of chronic deseases (p = 0.001) and psychosomatic symptoms (p<0.001). The most frequent causes of sleep disorders are: work-related stress (35.6%), personal-life stress (35.4%) and pain (24.2%). In case of dormition problems most of the participants watch television (52.1%) and read (33%); 7.5% and 11.4% of the responders use sleeping pills and tisane. We attract attention to the prevalency and effects of insomnia, and the habits to help to fall asleep. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(49), 1955-1959.

Swedish Sonographers' perceptions of ergonomic problems at work and their suggestions for improvement.

BackgroundSonographers’ perceptions of ergonomic and work-related pain problems at work have so far mostly been researched in quantitative studies by questionnaires. There is a need of experience-based research to deepen the knowledge about how sonographers perceive ergonomic problems at work. Therefore, the aim of this qualitative study was to describe sonographers’ perceptions of ergonomic problems at work, and their suggestions for improvement strategies.MethodsTwenty-two female sonographers were individually interviewed regarding different aspects of their physical working environment. Content analysis was applied.ResultsThe sonographers perceived different ergonomic problems in their working environment, but to offer patient comfort and to obtain the best possible images were often prioritized over working posture. Echocardiography was considered demanding as the examination is performed with little variation in posture. Ergonomic improvements included reducing the manual handling of the transducer, optimizing the adjustability of equipment, and taking the patient’s physique and health into account. As some examinations were perceived to be more ergonomically demanding, variation between examinations was suggested, however, this requires broader skills.ConclusionSonography, especially echocardiography is ergonomically demanding but the improvement strategies suggested were perceived useful and applicable.