Determinants of Musculoskeletal Pain among Governmental Hospitals Laboratory Technicians in Gaza Governorates

Date
2010-01-16
Authors
Eman Ali El Astal
ايمان علي الاسطل
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Publisher
Al-Quds University
Abstract
This study aimed to identify prevalence and determinants of musculoskeletal pain among laboratory technicians working at governmental hospitals' medical laboratories in Gaza Governorates. The design of this study is a quantitative, descriptive, analytical cross-sectional one. The sample of this study consisted of 179 technicians (110 male and 69 female). The researcher used constructed selfadministered questionnaire for data collection. Different statistical procedures used for data analysis including cross tabulation, percentage, mean, chi square and t. test. The results showed that the overall prevalence of MSP among participants was 68.7%; of them 64.5% were males and 75.4% females. The highest complain of MSP was among the age group (50 years and more) and it was 75.0% within the group and the lowest complain was among age group (40 49 years) and it was 66.7% within the group. 21.1% of participants suffered from back pain, 14.6% lower extremities, 5.7% neck, 4.0% shoulders and 0.8% upper extremities. 61.0% described pain as spasm, 6.5% tingling, 6.5% tenderness, 5.7% burning and 1.6% numbness. Pain was severe among 14.6%. There were no significant differences between male and female technicians in severity of pain. Among those who complain of pain, 78.9% seek medical advice. High concentration / attention were the dominant risk factor for MSP (89.43%), work overload (85.3%), unsuitable posture (84.5%), repetition of same movements (83.7%), psychological pressure (82.9%) and computer work was the least risk factor (26.01%). Work environment needs some modifications including decrease level of noise, control crowd, afford comfortable chairs and remove unnecessary furniture. The majority of technicians have enough knowledge regarding safety measures during work. The study concluded that work related MSP was high among laboratory technicians with its subsequences on quality of work, productivity, cost and quality of life. MSP affects all body sites with different characteristics including nature of pain, severity, onset and duration. The results of this study highlights the need for adopting proper ergonomics when designing work place to fit for persons and tasks to be performed. Priority suggestions to avoid MSP were task rotation followed by practicing exercise during free time and avoid sudden movements during work
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Citation
El Asta، Eman l Ali. (2010). Determinants of Musculoskeletal Pain among Governmental Hospitals Laboratory Technicians in Gaza Governorates [رسالة ماجستير منشورة، جامعة القدس، فلسطين]. المستودع الرقمي لجامعة القدس. https://arab-scholars.com/35bda9