Musculoskeletal disorders among physicians in Samsun

Abstract

Objective: Musculoskeletal disorders are a major problem in the working population. Many studies have been performed about work related musculoskeletal pain in various groups of professions. However there are limited studies investigating the musculoskeletal disorders in physicians. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and causes of work-related musculoskeletal disorders reported by physicians employed in Samsun. Material and Methods: A questionnaire survey was carried out among 310 physicians working in four hospitals in Samsun and 305 physicians answered. The questionnaire involved musculoskeletal complaints, individual characteristics, employment history, psychosocial risk factors at work. Results: Sixtyt wo percent of physicians reported at least one musculoskeletal complaint. The highest frequencies of musculoskeletal disorders were in low back (50.3%), neck (49.7%), back (38.6%) and shoulder (36.5%). From those reported musculoskeletal complaints, 62.9% suffered these complaints more than three months. 31.7% of the cases sought for medical care. There was no significant difference between the groups with and without musculoskeletal disorder regarding age, sex, exercise, smoking, working year, and working time per a day. Among these factors, low levels of physical exercise was associated with the occurrence of low back pain (p=0.001). Conclusion: Almost two-third of the participants reported a musculoskeletal disorder in the present study. Considering the stress factors about professional conditions that may cause or predispose musculoskeletal complaints, efforts to modify ergonomics at work and work conditions may solve these problems and increase the quality of life. Copyright © 2008 by Türk Tibbi Rehabilitasyon Kurumu Derneği.