Objective To survey the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and identify associated risk factors in healthcare workers in a hospital of Shanghai.
Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Chinese Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire in January 2016 in a tertiary grade 2 hospital in Shanghai. The questionnaire covered personal information, prevalence and severity of MSDs in various body parts, and related occupational risk factors. Chi-square test, logistic regression model, and sensitivity analysis were used to assess the factors affecting the prevalence of MSDs.
Results A total of 464 questionnaires were distributed, and 423 valid questionnaires were returned with a valid response rate of 91.2%. The overall prevalence rate of MSDs in the selected healthcare workers was 91.4% over the past 12 months, and the highest MSDs prevalence rate was reported in low back (80.5%), followed by neck (73.2%) and shoulder (64.8%). After adjusted by selected confounders, the results of logistic regression analysis showed that long-time standing (OR=1.91, 95%CI:1.23-2.95), awkward neck postures (OR=2.57, 95%CI:1.38-4.77), staff shortage (OR=1.73, 95%CI:1.00-2.99), and being exhausted after work were significantly associated with neck pain, whereas moving patients (OR=2.15, 95%CI:1.03-4.47) and staff shortage (OR=2.03, 95%CI:1.14-3.62) were associated with low back pain. When the proportion of misclassification on self-reported physical exhaustion was over 3%, the statistical association between physical exhaustion and low back pain disappeared. Interactions between working overtime & moving patient and between exertion & repetitive operation were identified by graph analysis; however, those effects did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusion A high prevalence of MSDs is identified in the healthcare workers in the selected hospital, especially in low back. Long-time standing, awkward postures, staff shortage, and moving patients are the possible risk factors. It urges multi-dimensional policies and solutions to control MSDs in healthcare workers and promote their health.
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