ABSTRACT

Musculoskeletal diseases are common in many countries, affecting the quality of life and constituting the majority of occupational diseases. If hospital personnel encounter musculoskeletal problems and there is a mismatch between the physical needs of the job and employee’s capacity in hospitals, work-related musculoskeletal disorders can occur. In our study, we aimed to determine the frequency and related factors of work-related musculoskeletal system disorders among a hospital’s personnel in Ankara.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2020, with 217 people over 18 years old and working minimum for one month at a state hospital of Ankara, where the occupational health unit did not function. The questionnaire form consisted of two parts. In the first part, descriptive information of participants and risk factors of occupational musculoskeletal diseases were evaluated. The second part was the Expanded Nordic Musculoskeletal System Questionnaire.

75.6% of participants experienced musculoskeletal problems in the last 12 months. 68.5% of those who had musculoskeletal problems in last 12 months took medication and 57.8% applied to healthcare providers. 68.7% of participants did not keep their body in proper position while working, 63.6% of them worked in the same position for a long time. 46.5% of them stated that they had problems with their neck in last 12 months. Significant differences were found for the musculoskeletal problem according to gender, unsuitable working position, working in the same position for a long time, stress, total working time, and department.

In our study, most of hospital personnel reported that they worked in the same position for a long time, did not keep their body in proper position while working and had an occupational musculoskeletal disorder in the last year. Most of the patients did not apply to healthcare providers. Ergonomic arrangements, providing appropriate working conditions, and health education can help reduce musculoskeletal problems. Occupational health and safety practices are important.

Keywords: Hospital Personnel, Musculoskeletal Diseases, Neck Pain