Patterns of musculoskeletal disorders in health care providers and their association with ergonomics risks.

BACKGROUND
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) have a high prevalence among allied health care providers because of the demanding nature of their work and lack of practicing proper ergonomics. The aim of this study focused on patterns of Work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSDs) affecting different health care providers working in a different unit of tertiary care hospital.


METHODOLOGY
This cross-sectional study collected data from 2000 allied health care provider working at various departments of Civil Hospital and Dow University Hospital of Karachi (DUHS), via self-administered questionnaire, based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines.


RESULT
Our findings revealed that 92.9% of individuals had musculoskeletal disorders as a result of poor ergonomics, with 93% reporting that the disease interferes with their normal job routine.


CONCLUSION
Medical technologists are the most affected group among allied health care workers. Lack of knowledge and proper ergonomics culture results in such a high prevalence rate in allied health care workers in Pakistan.