Mobile phone usage among nigerians: risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries and preventive strategies

Aims: The increase in the usage of hand-held devices (HHDs) and smartphones (SPs), especially in Nigeria has resulted in an upsurge of musculoskeletal complaints. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries due to mobile phone usage among Nigerians and the preventive strategies. Materials and Methods: This study involved 630 male and female participants above 18 years old who were purposively recruited across designated study centres in public places. The instrument used was a questionnaire specifically designed to suit the Nigerian culture and environment and developed from previously validated questionnaires. Data were exported to Statistical Computing Programming R version 4.0.5 for analysis and Chi-square was used to compare the characteristics of those who experienced injury using SPs/HHDS and those who did not. Independent variables with a 95% confidence level and P < 0.05 in the multivariate model were considered statistically significant. Results: The most common daily use of SPs/HHDS by the participants was phone calls (98.4%) followed closely by social networking (96.0%) while the occupation and educational level of the participants had statistically significant (P < 0.05) impact on musculoskeletal injuries. The type of mobile device and the time spent using these devices were also significant (P < 0.05) risk factors for injuries. Some self­treatment strategies adopted by the participants were all significantly (P < 0.05) associated with reduction of musculoskeletal discomfort. Conclusion: The occupation, educational level, the types of mobile devices and time spent using the devices were risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries

Treating complexity in the older adult - the role of the geriatric giants

As people age, they accumulate medical conditions. Geriatric giants comprise a group of conditions that lead to significant mortality and morbidity and contribute to the complexity in treating geriatric patients. They are common and rarely occur in isolation. The 5 Is of geriatric giants are: iatrogenesis, immobility, instability, incontinence and impaired cognition. Consequences for the patient and their caregivers include loss of functional independence, institutionalisation and caregiver burnout. Primary care practitioners are often the first port of call for geriatric patients in South Africa and by asking a few key questions and performing a thorough examination; these conditions can be recognised early. Whilst there are often limitations to cure, the main aim is to maintain the older adult's functional independence as much as possible, and by following an organised management approach to each of these conditions, the quality of life of patients can be improved

Troubles musculosquelettiques chez les employés au tri de billets d'une l'agence camerounaise de la Banque des Etats de L'Afrique Centrale (BEAC) au Cameroun en 2016

Objectif : Certains secteurs d'activités, à l'instar du secteur bancaire peuvent sembler exempts de risque pour la santé des travailleurs. Nous avons effectué une étude en vue d'évaluer les troubles musculosquelettiques chez les trieuses dans l'agence de la Banque des États de l'Afrique Centrale à Nkongsamba (Cameroun). Méthode d'étude : Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale descriptive et analytique qui s'est déroulée sur quatre mois de Juin à Octobre 2016, portant sur les employés impliqués dans les activités de tri bancaire. La collecte des données est faite grâce à un questionnaire inspiré du questionnaire standard de l'INRS et une grille d'observation des opérations selon la checklist OSHA. Les données recueillies par le questionnaire ont été traitées par les logiciels Epi-info 7.2.0.1. Résultats : Tous les participants à l'étude sont de sexe féminin. La moyenne d'âge est 40,1 ans. La tranche d'âge 35-40 ans était prépondérante. L'ancienneté moyenne est de 10,4 ans ; avec des extrêmes de 2 ans et 30 ans. Elles sont à 90,6% droitières. La fréquence des troubles musculosquelettiques était 81,2%. Le siège prédominant était le bas du dos, suivi du poignet et du cou. Les moins de 35 ans n'éprouvaient de troubles musculosquelettiques. Les TMS croissaient avec l'ancienneté dans l'activité ; au-delà de 10 années dans l'activité, la présence de TMS est quasiconstante. Conclusion : Les TMS sont importants dans l'activité de tri de billets de banque. Des mesures relativement simples et facilement applicables sont à mettre en oeuvre pour y remédier

Prévalence et facteurs associés aux troubles musculosquelettiques chez les conducteurs de taxi-moto à Cotonou

Introduction : Les troubles musculo-squelettiques (TMS) constituent un problème majeur de santé au travail. Certaines populations de travailleurs semblent très exposées. Objectif : Etudier la prévalence et les facteurs associés à la survenue de la lombalgie chez les conducteurs de taxi moto à Cotonou. Cadre et Méthodes : Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale, descriptive et analytique qui s'est déroulée du 20 Janvier au 20 Mai 2015 sur les conducteurs de taxi-moto de la ville de Cotonou. Résultats : Au total 342 conducteurs de taxi-moto ont été inclus. L'âge moyen était de 37,2 ±7,5 [20 - 69ans]. La durée moyenne de conduite était de 10+2heures et leur ancienneté de 9+6ans. Ils parcouraient environ 160km par jour. La prévalence des TMS était de 78,9%. Les régions les plus touchées étaient les épaules (82,6%), la région lombaire (68,5%) et le cou (53,7%). Les vibrations du corps entier (p=0,008), le stress (p=0,0001) et les soucis familiaux (p=0,016) étaient les facteurs associés aux TMS. Conclusion : La prévalence des TMS chez les conducteurs de taxi-moto reste élevée dans notre pays où la conduite de moto devient de plus en plus un métier de secours pour la population confrontée au chômage grandissant. Il importe donc d'agir sur ces facteurs de risque pour une prévention efficace

Musculoskeletal pain among school teachers are we underestimating its impact?

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a common occupational health condition which may significantly impact both work attendance and performance. School teachers represent an occupational group among which there appears to be a high prevalence of neck and/or shoulder pain (NSP) and low back pain (LBP). Epidemiological data on NSP and LBP in South African teachers are limited.Objectives: To determine the prevalence of NSP and LBP among primary school teachers in the Central Durban area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; to identify predominant occupational factors associated with NSP and LBP pain; and to highlight key actions associated with such factors so as to direct future preventive measures/interventions.Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted on teachers from 12 randomly selected primary schools.Results: Among the 97 completed questionnaires, the prevalence of NSP and LBP was 80.4% and 68.0%, respectively. There was no association between age and NSP (p < 0.250) or LBP (p < 0.595). However, there were higher prevalence rates of NSP and LBP among the 45-54 years age group (39.2% and 33.0%, respectively). Factors associated with NSP included marking of assessments (56.7%; n = 55), and writing on a blackboard (39.2%; n = 38); prolonged standing was associated with LBP (83.5%; n = 81). These findings highlighted specific actions, such as forward-bending of the head for prolonged periods (61.9%; n = 60), backward-bending of the head for prolonged periods (20.6%; n = 20), and reaching/stretching with arms above chest height (41.2%; n = 40). Conclusion: Key occupational factors associated with MSP, and associated actions identified in this study can be used as a basis to direct strategies that can be applied to reduce the prevalence of MSP and the onset of MSD in teachers

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and predisposing factors among commercial motorcyclists in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Nigeria

Background: Studies on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among motorcyclists in sub-Saharan Africa are scarce.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of WRMSDs and the predisposing factors among commercial motorcyclists operating in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria.Methods: Information was obtained from 122 (of 200) motorcyclists using a structured questionnaire which elicited information on the respondents' demographic characteristics, work experience, and predisposing factors to, and possible causes of, WRMSDs.Results: The response rate was 61.0%. The age range of the 122 participants was 15 - 55 years. One hundred and thirteen (92.6%) of the motorcyclists reported WRMSDs and 66.4% of all respondents worked for 6 - 10 hours daily. Lower back complaints were most commonly reported. WRMSDs were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with age, marital status, education, years of experience, hours spent at work daily, and days spent working per week. Conclusion: The prevalence of WRMSDs was high among these workers. Age, marital status, educational qualification and work behaviour were risk factors

Diagnostic accuracy of GeneXpert MTB/RIF in musculoskeletal tuberculosis: High sensitivity in tissue samples of HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients

Background. GeneXpert MTB/RIF is useful for the diagnosis of pulmonary TB in adults, but there is limited evidence on its usefulness in extrapulmonary TB.Objectives. To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of GeneXpert MTB/RIF in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients with suspected musculoskeletal TB.Methods. A prospective study of patients with suspected musculoskeletal (bone and joint) TB was undertaken. The diagnostic accuracy of GeneXpert MTB/RIF was compared with the reference standards of culture and histopathology.Results. A total of 206 biopsies from 201 patients (23% HIV-infected) were evaluated. The sensitivity and specificity of GeneXpert MTB/RIF was 92.3% (84/91) and 99.1% (114/115), respectively. GeneXpert MTB/RIF detected 8.8% more cases than culture (84/91 (92.3%) v. 76/91 (83.5%), respectively; p=0.069). GeneXpert MTB/RIF also detected all 4 multidrug-resistant TB cases and an additional 2 rifampicin-resistant cases in culture-negative samples. The sensitivity of GeneXpert MTB/RIF in HIV-infected patients was 96.9% (31/32) v. 89.6% (43/48) in HIV-uninfected patients (p=0.225).Conclusion. GeneXpert MTB/RIF is an accurate test for the detection of TB in tissue samples of HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients with suspected musculoskeletal TB. A positive GeneXpert MTB/RIF result should be regarded as microbiological confirmation of TB

Déficiences neurologiques et musculo-squelettiques rencontrées chez les hémodialysés chroniques du Centre National Hospitalier et Universitaire de Cotonou

Introduction : Les complications neurologiques et musculo-squelettiques sont fréquentes chez les hémodialysés chroniques. But : Déterminer les déficiences neurologiques et musculo-squelettiques rencontrées chez les hémodialysés chroniques du CNHU-HKM. Méthodes : Il s'agit d'une étude transversale à visée descriptive et analytique qui s'est déroulée du 5 février au 5 mai 2014 à la Clinique Universitaire de Néphrologie Hémodialyse de CNHU-HKM de Cotonou. Les déficiences neurologiques et musculo-squelettiques telles que la douleur, les troubles sensitifs et neurologiques, la force musculaire et les limitations articulaires étaient recherchées à partir d'un examen clinique minutieux et rigoureux. Les limitations fonctionnelles étaient déterminées par l'échelle de HAQ (Health Assessment Questionnaire) modifiée et les facteurs associés étaient identifiés par régression logistique en analyse univariée et multivariée. Résultats : L'âge moyen des patients était de 49,98 ± 12,96 ans et le sex-ratio de 1,5. Les déficiences observées étaient les douleurs (52,7%), les troubles sensitifs (29,8%), les faiblesses musculaires (44,3%) et les limitations articulaires (25,9%). Les limitations fonctionnelles étaient retrouvées chez 49,6% des hémodialysés. Les facteurs associés aux limitations fonctionnelles en analyse univariée étaient l'âge avancé (p < 0,001), le sexe féminin (p = 0,026), l'absence de profession (p = 0,001), la fréquence de 3 séances d'hémodialyse par semaine (p = 0,021), la durée de vie avancée en hémodialyse (p = 0,016) et l'hypocalcémie (p = 0,003). En analyse multivariée, seuls l'âge avancé (p < 0,001), le sexe féminin (p = 0,044) et l'hypocalcémie (p = 0,014) restaient associés aux limitations fonctionnelles. Conclusion : Les déficiences neurologiques et musculo-squelettiques sont très fréquentes chez les hémodialysés. Il est important d'organiser une prise en charge rééducative nécessitant une collaboration étroite entre néphrologues et kinésithérapeutes

Assessment of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Absenteeism at a Foundry

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are a major health problem globally and a significant cause of disability in the workplace. The purpose of this study was to describe tasks and body movements associated with the high rate of musculoskeletal-related complaints and absenteeism at a foundry in South Africa.Methods: A quantitative study design was used. The data sources were a questionnaire administered to 38 participants; structured observation and company records. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Results: All the participants were exposed to poor ergonomics which resulted in repetitive movements; twisting; gripping; and standing or sitting for long periods of time. Pain in the back and shoulders was the most common complaint; followed by stiffness of the fingers; wrists and shoulders. Most participants reported absence from work due to musculoskeletal complaints

Consultation Outcomes for Musculoskeletal Conditions at two Community Health Centres in Cape Town

"Objectives: To compare the proportion of patients with documented diagnoses and management plans when they presented with musculoskeletal complaints at two community health centres (CHCs) using two models of care: one with a rheumatology outreach service and the other with none. Secondly; to describe the profile of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who attended the CHC with the outreach service. Design: Cross-sectional. Subjects: A group of 59 patients at each CHC were compared regarding engagement of their musculoskeletal complaints by doctors and clinical nurse practitioners (CNPs). Secondly; 24 RA patients who attended Heideveld CHC were profiled. Results: A comparison of the ""overall engagement"" between the two CHCs [risk difference (RD) -0.06; 95 confidence interval (CI): -0.17-0.05; odds ratio (OR) 0.79; 95 CI: 0.51-1.24; chi-square 0.82; p-value 0.36] was not significantly different. Comparison between doctors (RD -0.05; 95 CI: -0.05-0.08; OR 0.80; 95 CI: 0.46-1.40; chi-square 0.41; p-value 0.52) was also not significantly different. The comparison between the CNPs at the two CHCs was statistically significant (RD 0.30; 95 CI: 0.14-0.45; OR 8.37; 95 CI: 1.05-66.60; Fisher's exact test 0.01); but the CI around OR was large. Patients with RA had a mean age of 60 years; an average of two co-morbidities and an average of three annual clinic visits. Eighty-three per cent resided in the drainage area of the clinic. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in engagement between the CHCs. The potential that CNPs seemed to show of being positively influenced by the outreach service should be further researched. Patients with RA had comorbidities that required management at primary healthcare level."

Musculoskeletal disorders among nurses in high acuity areas in a tertiary hospital in South Africa

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among nurses at a tertiary hospital in South Africa. Self-administered questionnaires were completed by 125 nurses. The mean age of the nurses was 42 years. A high proportion of the nurses reported experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort and related disorders. Most (80.8) worked 12 hour shifts and 84 experienced some form of musculoskeletal discomfort (related to MSDs) in the past year. The lower back was the most commonly reported body site (58); followed by the shoulder (21); and neck (20). Logistic regression analysis showed that nurses working 12 hour shifts had an increased risk of MSD of 14.17 (OR= 14.17; 95 CI: 4.586; 43.766) when compared to those working 8 hours shifts. The number of working hours per shift needs to be reduced to prevent MSDs in nurses. One way of doing this is to increase nursing staff numbers

Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Pain among Timber Workers in Enugu Metropolis; Nigeria

Objective: Work related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) is an occupational problem which timber workers are prone to because of the nature of their job. This study sought to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMS pain) among timber workers in Enugu metropolis; Nigeria. Method: A cross-sectional survey design was used. A self-administered questionnaire was used as the survey instrument. Four hundred and sixteen questionnaires were duly completed and all the respondents were males. Descriptive statistics of frequency and percentages and inferential statistics of chi-square were used as appropriate for data analysis. Results: The results showed that 90.8of the timber workers have had WRMS pain once or more in their occupational lives. The twelve-month prevalence of WRMS pain was 90.1. The low back was the commonly affected body area reported by timber workers for complaints in the last twelve months. Performing the same tasks over and over (73.8); continuing to work while injured or hurt (37.8) and lifting and transferring heavy objects (31.2) were the job factors most problematic to the timber workers. Conclusion: There is an increased prevalence of WRMS pain among timber workers in Enugu metropolis with the low back being the commonly affected body area. It is therefore recommended that the conditions of working should be improved by the organization of seminars; education programmes and ergonomic intervention so as to ensure that the timber workers remain healthy and to reduce the occurrence of WRMS pain

Orthopaedic Outreach Program in Uganda: A Strategy to Improve Inequality in Service Delivery between Rural and Urban Communities

Background: Musculoskeletal diseases are on the increase worldwide. Greater than 80of Ugandans live in rural areas; facing formidable barriers to specialized care. In 1991 the Orthopedics Outreach Program (OOP) was initiated as a plausible solution to the inequity of orthopedic care between the urban and rural disadvantaged populations. This investigation was conducted to evaluate the output; effectiveness; and barriers to access; of the OOP over 13 years. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis to quantify surgical output and effectiveness of the OOP using the outreach record and a cross-sectional analysis to assess access and efficacy of the program. Semi-structured and key informant interviews targeted to key actors involved in the OOP were conducted to provide a qualitative assessment of the program. Results: Sixty seven outreach visits were completed; 6;653 patients seen; and 1;071 surgeries performed; at a total cost of US$12;701.00. The cost per patient seen was US$1.91 and US$11.86 per surgery performed. Poverty was uniformly cited as barrier to access; others were; transportation; and lack of awareness. There was unanimous opinion on the worthiness and effectiveness of the OOP; but many operational issues and constraints were cited. Conclusion: The OOP may provide a short and medium term solution to equity and access for orthopedic care in Uganda. There is need to quantify the burden of specific orthopedics conditions. A follow-up analysis assessing operational efficacy and output from 2004 to date; under the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) and Ministry of Health funding is recommended

An exploratory examination of poor construction work practices: Opportunities for ergonomic interventions in the Western Cape

Construction activity is ergonomically challenging. In the study reported in this paper; the ergonomics challenges that construction artisans and their assistants encounter are examined in detail using naturalistic enquiry. The findings reveal unfavourable and repetitive poor work practices. It is contended that these practices; when extrapolated over the working life of the artisans and their assistants could arguably lead to musculo-skeletal syndromes and associated absenteeism. Recommendations for ergonomic interventions are made as solutions to these health consequences

Parental piroxicam arthralgia and musculoskeletal conditions of acute malarial [sic] : an open randomised comparison with oral acetylsalicylic acid and paracetamol

An open comparative trial of the toleration and safety of piroxicam; paracetamol and acetylsalicylic acid was conducted in 115 out patients with acute plasmodium falciparum malaria. Patients of both sexes received a single dose of sulfadoxine or pyrimethamine as anti-malarial therapy. Study participants were subsquently randomized to receive standard oral doses of paracetamol; acetylsalicylic; or injectable piroxicam; followed by oral doses of piroxicam; for management of fever; arthralgia and headache associated with acute malaria

A case report on socio-economic and behavioural results of late physiotherapy in Nigeria

The scope of physiotherapy in establishing the patient's physical problem; identifying his physical needs and attempting to prevent avoidable secondary conditions has been defined. It was also reviewed that late referrals or reports for physiotherapy (PT) often precipitate handicapping situations which on the long run are un-economical and uncosmetic for the patients concerned. A case report which shows the consequence of lateness in the commencement of PT has been presented. It is concluded that in musculo-skeletal disorders; where PT if often indicated; timely consultation or referral is ideal and very beneficial

The management of shoulder pain of musculo-sekeletal origin using Feldene gel (PIROXICAM)

From the results of this research study; it can be concluded that topical application of Feldene gel (i.e. Piroxicam) in conjunction with other physiotherapeutic modalities such as short-wave diathermy; ultrasonic therapy and physical exercise is very effective in the relief of shoulder pain of musculo-skeletal origin