Prevalence of laboratory-related musculoskeletal disorders among biomedical scientists

Alwahaibi, N.; Al Sadairi, M.; Al Abri, I.; Al Rawahi, S.

Background: Laboratory related musculoskeletal disorders (LMSDs) are injuries resulted from working in the laboratory. Biomedical scientists (BMSs) play an important role in any health care system. However, they are at high risk of exposure to LMSDs. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and the associated risk factors of LMSDs among this group of healthcare professionals. Methods: A cross sectional survey (Nordic musculoskeletal) was used to estimate the prevalence of LMSDs among BMSs. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science software version 25. Chi square was performed to find the significant association between LMSDs and different risk factors. Results: The study included 83 BMSs. Females represented 63.9% and 36.1% were in the age group of 35 to 44. The overall prevalence of LMSDs was 77.1%. The most prevalent LMSDs were neck, shoulders, and lower back with 50.6%, 49.4%, and 43.4%, respectively. Neck complaints and upper back complaints were found statistically significant with the female gender. Shoulders complaints were associated with pipetting and microscopy. Lower back complaints were associated with pipetting and heavy work at home. A total of 65.57% of BMSs had irregular symptoms of LMSDs, 54.10% experienced moderate pain due to these symptoms, and 44.26% had symptoms that persisted from hours to days. Conclusion: The study found that the prevalence of LMSDs among BMSs was high. Good knowledge, attitude, practice, and training of ergonomics may minimize the prevalence of LMSDs among BMSs.