Korean J Occup Environ Med.  2012 Sep;24(3):217-228.

Association between Job-related Factors and Musculoskeletal Symptoms in University Hospital Healthcare Workers

• Choi Y
• Lee SJ
• Song JC
• Bae KJ
• Park H

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in university hospital healthcare workers and to evaluate the job-related factors that affect musculoskeletal symptoms.
METHODS
A questionnaire was administered to health care workers who work at the university hospital. The self-reported questionnaire included the following information: general characteristics, health behaviors, job-related factors, depression symptom, ergonomic factor, job stress, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Ergonomic factor was measured by ANSI Z-365, depression symptom by CES-D, job stress by KOSS-26 and musculoskeletal symptoms by NIOSH questionnaire.
RESULTS
A total of 1,198(64.2%) of 1,842 respondents answered and 1,183 were included in the final study population. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was 53.3%. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms of males and females was 25.6% and 63.9%, respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, total job stress score(OR=3.05, 95% CI=1.62~5.74), depression symptom(OR=2.18, 95% CI=1.07~4.43), ANSI Z-365 high risk group(OR=5.33, 95% CI=2.08~13.66) in males and total job stress score(OR=2.14, 95% CI=1.53~3.00), three-shift work(OR=1.81, 95% CI=1.26~2.60), nurses(OR=1.82, 95% CI=1.22~2.73), and ANSI Z-365 high risk group(OR=3.33, 95% CI=1.58~7.03) in females were significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS
Shift work, nurses, ANSI Z-365 high risk group, depression symptom and job stress were related with musculoskeletal symptoms. In order to prevent musculoskeletal disorders, ergonomic improvements and stress reduction are required.

Keyword

Musculoskeletal symptoms; Job stress; Healthcare workers

MeSH Terms

Data Collection
Delivery of Health Care
Depression
Female
Health Behavior
Humans
Male
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (U.S.)
Prevalence
Questionnaires

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