Carla Sílvia Fernandes1, Germano Couto1,2, Rogério Carvalho2,3, Daniela Fernandes2, Patricia Ferreira2. 1. Superior School of Health, Universidade Fernando Pessoa - Porto, Portugal. 2. Fernando Pessoa University Hospital, Universidade Fernando Pessoa - Porto, Portugal. 3. School of Sciences and Technology, Universidade Fernando Pessoa - Porto, Portugal.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are responsible for morbidity among many health professionals. OBJECTIVE: To establish the prevalence of self-reported WMSDs among health professionals. METHODS: Descriptive and exploratory study with health professionals at a hospital in northern Portugal. Data were collected in December 2017 by means of an electronic questionnaire applied to the total target population (n=435). We applied instruments for sociodemographic characterization, perception of knowledge on ergonomics and manual mobilization of loads, the Patient Handling Burden Scale (PHBS) and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) for self-reporting musculoskeletal symptoms. RESULTS: The sample comprised 105 professionals, mainly nurses and nursing assistants, who exhibited high frequency of symptoms in several body areas, mainly the spine. CONCLUSIONS: WMSDs involving health professionals should be considered a problem for health institutions which do not implement interventions beyond traditional training programs, especially multifactorial programs of systemic nature.
BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are responsible for morbidity among many health professionals. OBJECTIVE: To establish the prevalence of self-reported WMSDs among health professionals. METHODS: Descriptive and exploratory study with health professionals at a hospital in northern Portugal. Data were collected in December 2017 by means of an electronic questionnaire applied to the total target population (n=435). We applied instruments for sociodemographic characterization, perception of knowledge on ergonomics and manual mobilization of loads, the Patient Handling Burden Scale (PHBS) and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) for self-reporting musculoskeletal symptoms. RESULTS: The sample comprised 105 professionals, mainly nurses and nursing assistants, who exhibited high frequency of symptoms in several body areas, mainly the spine. CONCLUSIONS: WMSDs involving health professionals should be considered a problem for health institutions which do not implement interventions beyond traditional training programs, especially multifactorial programs of systemic nature.
Entities:
Keywords:
allied health personnel; musculoskeletal diseases; occupational health; occupational risks; working conditions
Authors: I Kuorinka; B Jonsson; A Kilbom; H Vinterberg; F Biering-Sørensen; G Andersson; K Jørgensen Journal: Appl Ergon Date: 1987-09 Impact factor: 3.661