Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of work-related musculoskeletal discomfort and vertebral malalignment among medical professionals and the association between these factors.
Methodology: This analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted in hospitals of Islamabad, Pakistan from September 2022 to January 2023. A total of 377 medical professionals of both genders were selected through non-probability convenient sampling technique with age ranging from 25-45 years. Medical professionals with any known neurological disorder or cognitive impairments, degenerative changes, congenital deformities and history of traumatic experience or previous injury were excluded from study. Demographics were obtained using a self-designed questionnaire. Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used for the assessment of musculoskeletal discomfort. Posture Screen mobile application was used for objective assessment of the vertebral malalignment of participants. The data were analyzed using SPSS 23.
Results: The average age of the participants was 31.8±4.3. The overall prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal discomfort in the last 12 months showed that lower back was seen in 246 (65.3%) and neck in 241 (63.9%) participants. Association was found to be statistically significant for lower back and neck malalignment (p-value of 0.026 and 0.021, respectively).
Conclusion: Musculoskeletal discomfort due to work is a major health concern leading to the later development of vertebral deviations. Lessening the associated risk factors by using correct ergonomic practices can prevent the occurrence of these issues.

Key words: Adult, ergonomics, medical professionals, Pakistan, posture.