Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder and ergonomic risk practice among medical laboratory professionals at health facilities of eastern Ethiopia
BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders represent a significant occupational problem due to poor ergonomic workstations among medical laboratory professionals; however, there is limited information regarding ergonomic-related musculoskeletal disorders among laboratory personnel in Ethiopia, particularly...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2024-12-01
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1443217/full |
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| author | Dagim Fikre Behailu Hawulte Ayele Akewok Sime Fikru Tebeje Fitsum Weldegebreal Fitsum Weldegebreal |
| author_facet | Dagim Fikre Behailu Hawulte Ayele Akewok Sime Fikru Tebeje Fitsum Weldegebreal Fitsum Weldegebreal |
| author_sort | Dagim Fikre |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders represent a significant occupational problem due to poor ergonomic workstations among medical laboratory professionals; however, there is limited information regarding ergonomic-related musculoskeletal disorders among laboratory personnel in Ethiopia, particularly in eastern Ethiopia.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study design was implemented among 241 Medical Laboratory Professionals (MLPs) from December 20, 2023, to January 20, 2024. A standardized questionnaire adapted from the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and a combination of self-administered surveys and direct observational techniques was used for data collection. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders with findings presented through Odds ratios and a 95% Confidence Interval (CI), and statistical significance was declared at p-value <0.05.ResultThis study showed that over the past 12 months, 142 (58.9%; 95% CI: 52.0, 65.0) Medical Laboratory professionals reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders at least in one of the nine body parts. Age 36 and above years (AOR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.02, 6.01), being female (AOR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.09, 5.04), work experience 10–15 years (AOR = 3.99; 95% CI: 1.6, 9.4), work experience >15 years (AOR = 4.13; 95% CI: 1.52, 10.81), sitting time 4 and above hours (AOR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.10, 4.63), patient load >300 (AOR = 2.67; 95% CI: 1.12, 7.46), and being overweight (AOR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.04, 6.03) were factors significantly associated.ConclusionThe prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was found to be higher among Medical Laboratory Professionals as compared to previous research conducted in Ethiopia. It is recommended to regularly evaluate workstations to reduce strain through adjustments in the chair and bench heights and implement task rotation to reduce repetitive movements and distribute physical demands among staff, in addition to that, adjust work schedules to include intermittent breaks. Tailored ergonomic solutions and flexible arrangements should be provided for female professionals who are at a higher risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Furthermore, conducting routine health screenings to detect early signs of musculoskeletal disorders for timely intervention, as well as enhancing awareness among Medical Laboratory Professionals, are essential measures to mitigate ergonomic risk practice. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-74a26db060f542e69bcacc720fc53a21 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2296-2565 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
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| series | Frontiers in Public Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-74a26db060f542e69bcacc720fc53a212025-08-20T02:34:44ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Public Health2296-25652024-12-011210.3389/fpubh.2024.14432171443217Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder and ergonomic risk practice among medical laboratory professionals at health facilities of eastern EthiopiaDagim Fikre0Behailu Hawulte Ayele1Akewok Sime2Fikru Tebeje3Fitsum Weldegebreal4Fitsum Weldegebreal5Bisidimo General Hospital Health Science College, Bisidimo, EthiopiaSchool of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, EthiopiaSchool of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, EthiopiaSchool of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, EthiopiaSchool of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, EthiopiaLaboratory Bacteriology Research, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, BelgiumBackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders represent a significant occupational problem due to poor ergonomic workstations among medical laboratory professionals; however, there is limited information regarding ergonomic-related musculoskeletal disorders among laboratory personnel in Ethiopia, particularly in eastern Ethiopia.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study design was implemented among 241 Medical Laboratory Professionals (MLPs) from December 20, 2023, to January 20, 2024. A standardized questionnaire adapted from the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and a combination of self-administered surveys and direct observational techniques was used for data collection. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders with findings presented through Odds ratios and a 95% Confidence Interval (CI), and statistical significance was declared at p-value <0.05.ResultThis study showed that over the past 12 months, 142 (58.9%; 95% CI: 52.0, 65.0) Medical Laboratory professionals reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders at least in one of the nine body parts. Age 36 and above years (AOR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.02, 6.01), being female (AOR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.09, 5.04), work experience 10–15 years (AOR = 3.99; 95% CI: 1.6, 9.4), work experience >15 years (AOR = 4.13; 95% CI: 1.52, 10.81), sitting time 4 and above hours (AOR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.10, 4.63), patient load >300 (AOR = 2.67; 95% CI: 1.12, 7.46), and being overweight (AOR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.04, 6.03) were factors significantly associated.ConclusionThe prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was found to be higher among Medical Laboratory Professionals as compared to previous research conducted in Ethiopia. It is recommended to regularly evaluate workstations to reduce strain through adjustments in the chair and bench heights and implement task rotation to reduce repetitive movements and distribute physical demands among staff, in addition to that, adjust work schedules to include intermittent breaks. Tailored ergonomic solutions and flexible arrangements should be provided for female professionals who are at a higher risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Furthermore, conducting routine health screenings to detect early signs of musculoskeletal disorders for timely intervention, as well as enhancing awareness among Medical Laboratory Professionals, are essential measures to mitigate ergonomic risk practice.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1443217/fullergonomicsmusculoskeletal disordermedical laboratory professionalsEthiopiaprevalence |
| spellingShingle | Dagim Fikre Behailu Hawulte Ayele Akewok Sime Fikru Tebeje Fitsum Weldegebreal Fitsum Weldegebreal Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder and ergonomic risk practice among medical laboratory professionals at health facilities of eastern Ethiopia Frontiers in Public Health ergonomics musculoskeletal disorder medical laboratory professionals Ethiopia prevalence |
| title | Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder and ergonomic risk practice among medical laboratory professionals at health facilities of eastern Ethiopia |
| title_full | Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder and ergonomic risk practice among medical laboratory professionals at health facilities of eastern Ethiopia |
| title_fullStr | Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder and ergonomic risk practice among medical laboratory professionals at health facilities of eastern Ethiopia |
| title_full_unstemmed | Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder and ergonomic risk practice among medical laboratory professionals at health facilities of eastern Ethiopia |
| title_short | Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder and ergonomic risk practice among medical laboratory professionals at health facilities of eastern Ethiopia |
| title_sort | prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorder and ergonomic risk practice among medical laboratory professionals at health facilities of eastern ethiopia |
| topic | ergonomics musculoskeletal disorder medical laboratory professionals Ethiopia prevalence |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1443217/full |
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