Affiliations: [a] Riphah College of Rehabilitation and Allied Health Sciences, Riphah International University, Faisalabad Campus, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| [b] Department of Physical Therapy, Bakhtawar Amin Medical and Dental College, Multan, Pakistan
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Dr. Muhammad Kashif, PhD PT (Scholar) MS-PT, MS-OMPT, BS-PT, Riphah College of Rehabilitation and Allied Health Sciences, Riphah International University, Faisalabad Campus, Faisalabad, Pakistan. E-mail: kashif.shaffi@gmail.com.
Note: [1] Orcid: 0000-0002-8487-9256
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Musculoskeletal disorders cause a significant occupational problem for healthcare workers (HCWs). OBJECTIVE:This study aimed to measure the prevalence, associated occupational risk factors and coping strategies for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among HCWs working in five hospitals in Faisalabad, Pakistan. METHODS:A previously used validated questionnaire, which consisted of four sections, including demographic information, occupational health questions, and associated occupational risk factors and coping strategies, was used as a survey tool to collect data on health workers working in five hospitals located in the Faisalabad District. RESULTS:The finding of this study revealed that 7-day and 12-month prevalence rates of WMSDs were 1226 (83.45%) and 1107 (75.35%) respectively among HCWs and most common WMSDs was low back pain 576 (39.2%) followed by the neck 217 (15%) and ankles 186 (13%) according to body sites. The probability of developing WRMSDs was higher among physiotherapists (OR = 3.63, 95% CI: 1.39–9.51), participants with rank 18 (OR = 4.17, 95% CI: 2.18–7.96), and HCWs who work in primary care (OR = 8.94, 95% CI: 3.47–23.04). The most important risk factor reported was treating an excessive number of patients in one day (66.8%). The main coping strategies reported in this study were to get someone else to help in handling a heavy patient (90%). CONCLUSIONS:This study found that the most prevalent WMSD among HCWs was lower back pain. Sedentary lifestyle was shown to be a positive risk factor for acquiring WMSDs. Additionally, the primary risk factor discovered was treating an excessive number of patients, probably owing to a shortage of healthcare staff.
