Work - Volume 78, issue 1

Authors: Jacobs, Karen | Soer, Remko

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-246010

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 1, pp. 1-2, 2024

Authors: Gelaw, Asmare | Parker, Sharon | Johnson, Anya | Nguyen, Helena | Jolly, Anu | Forner, Vivien | Deng, Connie | Collie, Alex

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Health and Social Care (HSC) workers face psychological health risks in the workplace. While many studies have described psychological injuries in HSC workers, few have examined the determinants. Previous research has primarily focused on hospitals, lacking systematic reviews of community-based settings. OBJECTIVE: To systematically identify and appraise current evidence on the determinants of psychological injuries among HSC workers in community settings. METHODS: Searches were conducted in three bibliographic databases, supplemented by citation searches. Included studies focused on community-based HSC workers, reporting statistical associations between psychological injury and personal, health, occupational, or organizational …factors. Quantitative studies published in English between January 1, 2000 and August 15, 2023 were included. Quality appraisal was undertaken using the JBI critical appraisal checklist. RESULTS: Sixty-six studies were included. Study quality was highly variable, and all studies were cross-sectional. Twenty-three studies linked psychological injury with occupational factors (e.g. low job control, high job demands and low job satisfaction). Thirteen studies observed an association between work environment and psychological injury, and a further eleven between workplace social support and psychological injury. Fewer studies have examined the relationship between psychological injury and personal/individual factors. CONCLUSION: Occupational and organisational factors are significantly associated with psychological health among HSA workers, in community settings. These aspects of job design, work environment and workplace relationships are modifiable, suggesting an opportunity for work design interventions to improve workers’ psychological health and reduce the prevalence of psychological injury in this sector. Show more

Keywords: Psychosocial factors, psychological injury, occupational factors, organisational factors, work environment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230426

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 1, pp. 3-27, 2024

Authors: Kalski, Linda | Völkel, Laura | Häußler, Sarah | Wolfarth, Bernd

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Currently, there is no standard procedure for a return to work (RTW) rehabilitation program used by practitioners. OBJECTIVE: The aim is to investigate the efficacy of occupational rehabilitation programs for workers with back pain. METHODS: Two independent reviewers screened abstracts and full-text articles in a systematic literature search in three databases conducted in 2023. Subsequently, they extracted data according to the PRISMA Statement. RESULTS: Among the 4,010 articles retrieved, 20 met the inclusion criteria. Data from accepted studies were abstracted into tables relating to the RTW, improvement of pain intensity, quality of life …(QOL), and degree of disability in persons with back pain. The risk of bias was assessed using the (SIGN)-criteria. Significant improvements in RTW were shown by a workplace intervention with a physical approach and a multidisciplinary intervention but with a wide range of effect sizes. Five studies showed significant improvements in pain intensity and QOL, six studies observed significant improvements in disability. CONCLUSION: The studies that stated positive effects on work-related data differed between intervention programs and traditional care. A combination of activity, maintenance therapy, stretching, and manual therapy showed promising results in improving RTW. In addition, the relationship and mediation between employer/workplace and employee seems to be an important aspect of RTW. However, pain intensity, disability, and QOL were enhanced with interventions that included a high proportion of physical activity. However, the intervention programs differed widely, leading to the assumption that the treatment effect of the intervention programs is not established, yet. Show more

Keywords: Back pain, occupational therapy, return to work, work disability, vocational rehabilitation, workplace intervention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230277

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 1, pp. 29-43, 2024

Authors: Neto, Lúcio Barbosa | Christofoletti, Gustavo | de Alencar, Gildiney Penaves | Burke, Thomaz Nogueira

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: School performance encompasses several forms of representation, and this has been identified as stressing factors with negative repercussions on teachers’ health. In 2020 this scenario was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with yet unknown consequences on teachers’ health. Our hypothesis is that the disease affected both the quality of life and work ability of teachers. OBJECTIVE: To identify the association between burnout syndrome, work ability, quality of life and physical activity in basic education teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the city of Campo Grande, Brazil. METHODS: Data collection took place from April 2020 to …April 2021 through an online form linked to Google Forms. Quality of life was measured using the WHOQOL-bref, Work Ability through Work Ability Index (WAI) and burnout syndrome aspects through MBI-HSS. The association between variables was assessed by Pearson’s correlation test with p  < 0,05. RESULTS: Teachers self-rated their quality of life positively (good/very good = 55.9%), showed good (43,1%) or very good (27,7%) work ability, and had low emotional fatigue (41.6%), low depersonalization (75.7%) and high personal fulfillment (58.4%). The highest correlations indicate that the greater the emotional fatigue, the lower the WAI (r  = – 0.60); and the higher the WAI, the higher the quality of life (all p  < 0,05). CONCLUSION: The associations indicate that those teachers who showed greater emotional fatigue showed less ability to work. In addition, a negative association between emotional fatigue and physical, social and environmental domain of quality of life was also expressed, which may be relevant to the work environment. Show more

Keywords: Work, pandemic, health status, stress, school

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220187

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 1, pp. 45-53, 2024

Authors: Sortillón-González, Patricia Eugenia | Maldonado-Macías, Aidé Aracely | Saénz-Zamarrón, David | Hernandez-Arellano, Juan Luis | De la Vega-Bustillos, Enrique Javier

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The sculpting craft must adopt awkward postures that lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort (MD) and its associations with postural risk factors, demographics, and work characteristics among sculptors. They were determined the differences between MDs during the weeks of the study. METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted; MD was investigated using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ). Posture was assessed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment method (RULA). Multivariate logistic regression (MLR) models analyzed associations with different factors. ANOVA was used to test for …differences in MD prevalence. RESULTS: The analysis included 585 responses by body region. The prevalence of MD was high in the lower and upper limbs among sculptors (67.6%), with the lower back, upper arm, neck, and knees being the four most affected regions. Gender (female) (OR = 2.15), marital status (married) (OR = 1.80), health risk (obesity), the dual of a secondary job (OR = 1.94), job stress (OR = 2.10), duration of work (OR = 2.01), and difficulty keeping up with work (OR = 2.00) were significant predictors contributing to the occurrence of MD in different body regions. Only shoulder MD prevalence showed significant differences between study weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Sculptors suffer from MD. Demographic and work characteristic factors influence MD prevalence. Postural training, improved adaptation of work organization, and intervention guidance on ergonomic risks may reduce the prevalence of MD and the risk of MSDs in this population. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal pain, posture, art, ergonomics, prevalence, health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220535

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 1, pp. 55-72, 2024

Authors: Al-Emara, Zahraa | Karaharju-Suvanto, Terhi | Furu, Patrick | Furu, Heidi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are leading causes for long sickness absences and early retirement. Dental work is physically strenuous, and many studies have shown a relation between work-related MSDs and dentistry. However, fewer studies have focused on how these conditions affect the work ability of dentists. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to reveal the relationship between MSD, work ability and sickness absences in Finnish dentists and dental students. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to 1200 dental workers and students. It inquired of age, gender, use of dental loupes, physical exercise, use of health care, and …site, length and frequency of musculoskeletal complaints. Work ability was assessed with four parameters: work ability score (WAS), future work ability (FWA), self-estimation of MSD-related work disability, and sickness absence days. RESULTS: The questionnaire gained 255 responses (response rate 21%). The majority (90%) of the respondents had experienced MSD during the past year but only eleven percent of them had been on sick leave. MSDs correlated significantly with WAS, FWA and MSD-related work disability. Results remained significant even age adjusted. Age was a strong predictor of declined work ability, but gender, physical exercise or dental loupe use did not have a significant impact. CONCLUSIONS: Despite all the ergonomic advances in modern dentistry, the occurrence of MSD symptoms is still high. MSDs seem to affect dentists’ work ability significantly, but amount of sickness absence is relatively low, which may indicate a high level of presenteeism. Show more

Keywords: Dentistry, occupational health, musculoskeletal diseases, work ability, health care

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230303

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 1, pp. 73-81, 2024

Authors: Silva, Lara Karine Dias | Silva, Alline Thamyres Claudino da | Moreno, Camyla Ferreira | Souza, Eloyse Ricely Machado de | Nunes, Tamires Fernanda Barbosa | Souza, Larissa Ane Hora de | Vergara, Lizandra Garcia Lupi | da Silva, Jonhatan Magno Norte

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders for upper limbs (UL-WMSDs) form a complex of occupational diseases common to many professions worldwide. UL-WMSDs are manifested in most cases by pain, resulting in musculoskeletal discomfort. OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to evaluate the perception of musculoskeletal discomfort in workers from the interior of the Brazilian states of Alagoas and Bahia through the construction of a scale to assess musculoskeletal discomfort for upper limb. METHODS: The discomfort assessment scale was constructed from self-reported pain symptoms by 420 workers from the inner regions of the Brazilian states of Alagoas and …Bahia. The reliability and dimensionality of the collected data were analyzed by McDonald’s Omega and exploratory factor analysis, respectively. Item Response Theory (IRT) was used to create parameters for the discomfort scale. RESULTS: The musculoskeletal discomfort metric was constructed from the workers’ response with six levels (varying from minimum discomfort to maximum discomfort). At the lowest level of the scale, workers indicated symptoms in the shoulders and wrists were rare. At the highest level of the scale, daily pain symptoms are reported in all regions of the upper limbs. The shoulders are the last region to develop extreme pain symptoms. CONCLUSION: The metric was created to present satisfactory psychometric properties and capable measurement of the workers’ level of musculoskeletal discomfort based on self-reported pain symptoms. Therefore, the metric can support measuring discomfort, contributing to decisions that improve a healthier occupational environment for the worker. Show more

Keywords: Keywords UL-WMSDs, item response theory, pain symptoms, metrics in ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230439

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 1, pp. 83-97, 2024

Authors: Evans, Kimeran W. | Myers, Douglas | Rockefeller, Kathleen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Patient mobility tasks place rehabilitation professionals (Physical and Occupational Therapists) working in hospitals at high risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). However, when investigating engagement with a Safe Patient Handling and Mobility program (SPHM), administrative records at a level one trauma hospital showed that rehabilitation professionals reported zero work-related injuries over an eight-year period. OBJECTIVE: As part of a qualitative study conducted to discover their unique work experiences, we explored some of the reasons that rehabilitation professionals might not report work-related injuries to their employers. METHODS: Using a collective case study design, …six focus groups were conducted with 25 members of the rehabilitation team within a level-one trauma hospital. Focus groups were recorded; transcripts were analyzed for emergent themes using first and second cycle coding procedures. RESULTS: Participants in this study denied experiencing work-related injuries but frequently described working in pain, often attributed to patient mobility tasks. These experiences were not reported to employers. Self-management of their pain through co-worker treatment, over-the-counter medications, or informal alteration in job tasks were reported as common. CONCLUSION: Administrative injury records may underrepresent injuries among rehabilitation professionals. This may be due to their perception of work-related pain as something different than work-related injuries, or that many of these rehabilitation professionals treat their own work-related pain and symptoms rather than report them. To get a more accurate assessment of injury frequency among rehabilitation professionals, researchers should gather information directly from the participants, and should inquire about work-related pain in addition to injury. Show more

Keywords: Injuries, pain, rehabilitation, physical therapists, occupational therapists, hospitals, occupational groups

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230453

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 1, pp. 99-109, 2024

Authors: Furuta, Debora T. | Tebar, William R. | Beretta, Victor S. | Tebar, Fernanda Gil | de Carvalho, Augusto C. | Leoci, Isabella C. | Delfino, Leandro D. | Ferrari, Gerson | Silva, Claudiele C.M. | Christofaro, Diego G.D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A high workload has been associated with musculoskeletal pain in public school teachers. However, the hypothesis of the present study was that physical activity (PA) practice is able to attenuate this association. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the associations between high workload with musculoskeletal pain according to PA levels in public school teachers. METHODS: Teachers (n  = 239) from 13 public schools were evaluated. Workload was assessed using a Likert scale in which teachers reported their perception of their work routine as: very low, low, regular, high, and very high. Musculoskeletal pain and PA were …assessed using questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate the association of high workload with PA levels and musculoskeletal pain in different body regions, compared to participants with normal workload, adjusted by sex, age, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS: A high workload was associated with higher chances of reporting pain in the wrists and hands (OR = 3.55; 95% CI = 1.27–9.89), knee (OR = 3.09; 95CI%  = 1.09–8.82), and feet and ankles (OR = 3.16; 95% CI = 1.03–9.76) in less active teachers. However, these associations were not observed in teachers considered more active. CONCLUSION: PA practice is able to act as a good protector against musculoskeletal pain in teachers, even in individuals with a high workload. Show more

Keywords: Workload, school teachers, musculoskeletal pain, physical inactivity, epidemiology, public health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230474

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 1, pp. 111-117, 2024

Authors: Serafim, Rômulo Silva | Bispo, Lucas Gomes Miranda | da Silva, Jonhatan Magno Norte | da Silva, Joel Gomes

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) encompass a range of conditions affecting muscles, tendons, and nerves. Visual diagrams are widely used to identify symptoms and to generate musculoskeletal discomfort metrics. However, there is no consensus on the number of discomfort dimensions that can originate from self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms by individuals. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to test the fit of WMSD symptom models from workers in two samples of different sizes. METHODS: A combination of Full-Information Item Factor Analysis (FIFA) and Item Response Theory (IRT) was utilized to analyze and test the models. The study …was conducted in two samples of workers (n 1 = 6944 and n 2 = 420) who had their symptoms identified with the aid of a human body diagram. An analysis was conducted considering each sample’s unidimensional and three multidimensional models. RESULTS: The unidimensional model (general musculoskeletal discomfort), bi-dimensional model (discomfort in upper and lower body), and tridimensional model (discomfort in the upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk) showed good values of factor loading and communalities, along with satisfactory item discrimination ability. Regardless of sample size, parameter estimation for IRT and FIFA proceeded without issues, presenting suitable fit parameters. CONCLUSION: Three models were valid and reliable for more extensive and smaller samples. However, the tridimensional model was best for generating discomfort scores in body regions. Companies and safety professionals can use these findings to devise strategies to mitigate musculoskeletal pains based on perceived symptom locations. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal pain, pain measurement, ergonomic assessment, occupational health, model, statistical

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230480

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 1, pp. 119-130, 2024

Authors: Upadhyay, Rahul | Kumar, Ashish | Bhattacherjee, Ashis | Patra, Aditya Kumar | Chau, Nearkasen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study focuses on evaluating the exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) and association of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) with various risk factors among dumper operators in the mining industry. Despite the issue’s significance, prior research has been limited. OBJECTIVE: The study introduces a novel fuzzy-based approach for identifying, selecting, and prioritizing safety measures to mitigate MSD risks. METHODS: Data collection comprised face-to-face interviews, anthropometric measurements, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) scoring for posture assessment, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire for assessment of MSD prevalence. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to …analyse the contributing risk factors to MSDs and WBV exposure. These risk factors formed the basis for a practical approach to select appropriate safety measures based on fuzzy based aggregation method of expert’s judgment aimed at mitigating the risk of MSDs. RESULTS: The results revealed that the risk factors such as poor work posture, WBV exposure and poor seat design were significantly associated with neck (adjusted odds ratio aOR = 4.81), upper limb and shoulder (aOR = 3.28), upper back (aOR = 5.09), and lower back pain (aOR = 3.67) at p  < 0.05. Using these factors to formulate safety measures to reduce MSD risk, the minimization of sharp turns and abrupt changes in elevation in designing the haul roads, scheduled maintenance practices, and ergonomic seat design were found as important safety measures in this study. CONCLUSION: Our unique methodological approach in occupational health research could be highly beneficial for tailoring safety measures at the unit level with minimal effort. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal pain, occupational health, ergonomics, WBV exposure, surface mining, interventions, fuzzy set

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230489

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 1, pp. 131-152, 2024

Authors: Goggins, Katie A. | Thompson, Taryn J. | Lessel, Courtney E. | Kelly, Elizabeth A. | O’Hara, Dawson E.L. | Eger, Tammy R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Occupational foot-transmitted vibration (FTV) exposure is common in industries like mining, construction, and agriculture, often leading to acute and chronic injuries. Vibration assessments require technical expertise and equipment which can be costly for employers to perform. Alternatively, researchers have observed that self-reported discomfort can be used as an effective indicator of injury risk. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of standing FTV exposure on self-reported ratings of discomfort, and whether these subjective ratings differed by body area and exposure frequency. METHODS: Participants (n  = 30) were randomly exposed to standing FTV …at six frequencies (25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 Hz) for 20–45 seconds. Following each exposure, participants rated discomfort on a scale of 0–9 in four body areas: head and neck (HN), upper body (UB), lower body (LB), and total body. RESULTS: Results indicated that participants experienced the most discomfort in the LB at higher frequencies (p  < 0.001), consistent with the resonance of foot structures. The HN discomfort tended to decrease as the exposure frequency increased, although not statistically significant (p  > 0.0167). The UB discomfort remained relatively low across all frequencies. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests a potential connection between resonant frequencies and discomfort, potentially indicating injury risk. Although self-reported discomfort is insufficient for directly assessing injury risk from FTV, it provides a simple method for monitoring potential musculoskeletal risks related to vibration exposure at resonant frequencies. While professional vibration assessment remains necessary, self-reported discomfort may act as an early indicated of vibration-induced injuries, aiding in implementing mitigation strategies. Show more

Keywords: Occupational injuries, foot injuries, repetitive strain injury, musculoskeletal diseases, pain, ache

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230491

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 1, pp. 153-165, 2024

Authors: Medeni, Volkan | Tokatlı Doğan, Merve | Medeni, İrem | Uğraş Dikmen, Asiye | İlhan, Mustafa Necmi

Article Type: Research Article

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. Show more

Keywords: Caregivers, health personnel, low back pain, workload, occupational accidents, wounds and injuries

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230524

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 1, pp. 167-179, 2024

Authors: Shetty, Gautam M. | Shah, Nirja | Arenja, Avyayaraj

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although many studies have investigated the physical and ergonomic risks of spine pain in specific occupation groups, the literature is lacking on occupation-based clinical and psychological presentation in patients with spine pain. OBJECTIVE: To analyze occupation-based variation in demographic, clinical, and psychological presentation in patients with spine pain. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of 71727 patients with spine pain visiting a chain of spine rehabilitation clinics. Demographic and clinical variables such as gender, age, affected site, symptom duration, clinical symptoms and presentation, pain intensity, disability, and STarT Back Screening Tool (SBT) risk …were compared between 9 occupational groups. RESULTS: The service and sales workers (44%) and students (43.5%) groups had the highest percentage of patients who presented with central spine pain; military personnel had the highest percentage of patients who presented with unilateral radicular pain (51.5%); and the retired or unemployed group had the highest percentage of patients who presented with severe myotomal loss (grade≤3) (6%). Homemakers had significantly higher pain intensity and disability (p  < 0.001) and had the highest percentage of patients who presented with severe pain (47%), severe and crippled disability (59.5%), and medium to high risk (59%) with SBT when compared to other occupational groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with spine pain showed variation in demographic, clinical, and psychological presentation based on their occupation. The findings of this study can be the basis for identifying risk factors for spine pain and helping plan preventive and treatment measures based on their occupation. Show more

Keywords: Spine, epidemiology, occupation, neck pain, low back pain, radiculopathy, India

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230551

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 1, pp. 181-193, 2024

Authors: Pehlevan, Elif | Şevgin, Ömer

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Exercise and manual therapy are used with pharmacological interventions to manage low back pain and prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders. However, the potential benefits of incorporating exercise and ergonomics training for factory workers experiencing low back pain have not been definitively established. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of ergonomics training with exercises on pain, functionality, sleep, and fatigue among factory employees experiencing low back pain. METHODS This research was conducted as a randomized controlled trial involving workers with back pain employed in a plastic molding factory in Gebze, Kocaeli. Both …groups received ergonomics training, but only the experimental group was given exercise training inclusive of stretching and core stabilization exercises. The workers in the experimental group were instructed to perform the exercises regularly for three days a week over a period of eight weeks. The McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used for pre-and post-treatment assessment. RESULTS: The ODI, FSS, PSQI, and MPQ scores were significantly reduced in both groups. In the intergroup comparison, the exercise group showed a significantly greater decrease in all test scores compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The exercise group showed a statistically significant decrease in ODI, FSS, MPQ, and PSQI scores compared to the control group. This study demonstrated that exercise is a more effective practice than ergonomic training for factory workers suffering from chronic low back pain. Show more

Keywords: Employees, exercise, pain, ergonomics, rehabilitation, sleep

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230663

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 1, pp. 195-205, 2024

Authors: Viniston J, Sam Blessing | Bhushan, Shivanand | Saha, Shovan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a severe occupational health issue among medical radiation practitioners. It is mostly linked to personal protective wear, working posture, tools employed and ergonomics. OBJECTIVE: To assess and evaluate the musculoskeletal disorders among nuclear medicine professionals (NMP) in India. METHODS: An online survey was distributed to 455 NMP throughout India between November 2021 and March 2022 covering the demographic characteristics and questions for evaluation of musculoskeletal symptoms using the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Participants with any pre-existing musculoskeletal disorder or trauma were excluded. Descriptive statistics summarized the data …from the demographics, discomfort, aches and work-related musculoskeletal injuries. Chi-square test was used to examine the association between the obtained values. RESULTS: 91 out of 124 respondents were included based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results shows that there is a significant association between the height of the individual and neck pain, body mass index and elbows pain, age and low back pain, experience in the current work and upper back pain, the weight of the individual and knee pain, use of mobile lead screens and shoulder pain, use of gonad shield, trouble in the ankles and use of lead screens, and QC phantoms for gamma camera / PET and wrists/hands pain. CONCLUSION: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among NMP are resulting from factors of individual demographic variables (such as age, height, weight, body mass index), years of experience at the current workplace and of using instruments in their work area. Show more

Keywords: Nuclear medicine professionals, musculoskeletal disorders, health safety, work place

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230693

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 1, pp. 207-215, 2024