The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and related factors among a general hospital workers

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in general hospital workers and to evaluate related factors. Background: Hospital workers are highly exposed to musculoskeletal disease risk factors. But, enough studies have not been performed in Korea. Method: A questionnaire was performed to workers who work at the general hospital. A self-reported questionnaire include following information: general characteristics, health behaviors, job-related factors, ergonomic factor, job stress, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Ergonomic factor was measured by ANSI Z-365. Job stress was measured by KOSS-26 and musculoskeletal symptoms were measured by NIOSH questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was 631(53.3%). The prevalence per body part for shoulder, lower back, leg/foot, and neck were 393(33.2%), 330 (27.9%), 266(22.5%), and 250(21.1%) respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, three shift workers were at higher risk compared to daytime workers(OR=1.8, 95%CI=1.32-2.54), nurses were at higher risk compared to other position(OR=1.7, 95%CI=1.18-2.49), and high risk group were at higher risk compared to normal group(OR=3.7, 95%CI=2.10-6.68). In the domains of job stress, job demand(OR=2.0, 95%CI=1.46-2.61), job insecurity(OR=1.5, 95%CI=1.09-2.07), organizational system(OR=2.0, 95%CI=1.51-2.65), lack of reward(OR=1.6, 95%CI=1.20-2.16), occupational climate(OR=1.6, 95%CI=1.20-2.19), and physical environment(OR=2.7, 95%CI=2.02-3.63) showed statistically association with musculoskeletal symptoms. Conclusion: Musculoskeletal symptoms were highly prevalent in the general hospital workers. Authors concluded shift work, ANSI high risk group, job stress were seem to be related with musculoskeletal symptoms. Application: Our study suggest it is important to make a safety plan to prevent musculoskeletal diseases.