Affiliations: [a] Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| [b] Employee Health Department, General Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Ankara, Turkey
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Volkan Medeni, MD, Asst. Prof., Emniyet District, Mevlana Boulevard, No:29, 06560, Yenimahalle, Ankara, Turkey. Tel.: +903122024000; E-mail: volkanmedeni@gazi.edu.tr and volkanmedeni@hotmail.com.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Caregivers assist patients in treatment based on their care needs and living activities. Very few studies have been conducted specifically on the occupational health and safety of hospital caregivers. OBJECTİVE:This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of excessive workload and low back pain among hospital caregivers and to identify potential associated factors. METHODS:This cross-sectional study included caregivers working at Gazi University Hospital. Socio-demographic and working-life characteristics were assessed. The Role Overload Scale was used to determine excessive workload and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire was used to evaluate low back pain. RESULTS:The study included 528 participants. A total of 18.7% had work accidents in their department. 49.0% had sharp injuries. 68.9% of the participants performed tasks such as positioning, turning, lifting, or helping patients to walk. 72.2% stood for a long time during the workday. 52.8% thought that they worked under stress. 57.6% had low back pain in the last year and 38.6% in the last month, Significant differences exist in low back pain according to gender, body-mass index, standing for a long time and working under stress. Those who worked at night, had a work accident, positioned patients, stood for a long time, and worked under stress had higher mean scores on the Role Overload Scale. CONCLUSION:Tools should be used to lift and transport patients. In addition to occupational health and safety training, awareness of musculoskeletal risks should be increased. Employee well-being can be improved through exercise and stress reduction techniques.
Keywords: Caregivers, health personnel, low back pain, workload, occupational accidents, wounds and injuries
