Prevalence musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare practitioners in Taif, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Article ID: 271

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs) are a major complaint among Saudi healthcare practitioners. Increased awareness of risk factors may decrease in the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. In Taif, Saudi Arabia hospitals, little information is available about the prevalence of musculoskeletal issues and the specific risk factors. Aim: The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence and factors associated with the development of musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare practitioners in Taif city, Saudi Arabia. Methods: In Taif, Saudi Arabia, a cross-sectional study via a web-based survey was carried out. The survey using Nordic questionnaires for musculoskeletal disorders analysis had been sent to healthcare practitioners at Taif hospitals, including physicians, nurses, lab workers, and other allied medical practitioners, through an email. Categorical and numerical variables were presented by descriptive statistics. Logistic regression analysis to determine the relationship between independent factors and musculoskeletal disorders. Results: 124 participants completed the survey. 54 (43.5%) males and 70 (56.5%) females. 95% and 92% of subjects participating in musculoskeletal symptoms in the last 7 days and 12 months preceding the scan, respectively. lower back pain was the most often reported musculoskeletal symptom by healthcare practitioners (75.8%). Also, in the last 7 days before the survey (67.7%). Neck pain was the second most common musculoskeletal. Females are much more susceptible to lower back pain. Standing for an extended period of time was linked to lower back pain. Neck pain has been linked to excessive bending and twisting, standing for long period during regular practice, and serving large number of patients >15 patients/day. 19.4% of participants were forced to take sick leave for reasons related to MSCs. 66% of the participants recorded that they had pain after starting work, 35% received a medical attention, while 54% of them took medication to relieve pain. Conclusion: MSCs are more common in healthcare practitioners at Taif city, Saudi Arabia, with the low back and neck being the most typically afflicted. MSCs are more common in physiotherapists then nurses. Females more affected than males, age between 31 to 40 years. The most commonly reported work risk factors for the development of MSCs were standing for long periods of time, working in awkward or uncomfortable place of work, and serving an excessive number of patients in a day. Physical exercise can reduce the risk of MSCs in healthcare practitioners.