ABSTRACT
Background: Identifying the predisposing factors of neck and shoulder complaints and finding solutions to avoid them could improve the occupational health condition of the nurses. In this study, we aimed at determining the role of psychological and physical occupational factors in developing neck and shoulder complaints among the participants. Methods: This analytic cross-sectional study was conducted on the nurses of main hospitals of Tehran. To study the prevalence of neck and shoulder pain, the Nordic questionnaire was used, and job content questionnaire was used to assess the psychological and physical occupational factors. Data were analyzed using SPSS and statistical methods. Independent sample t-test was used to compare the qualitative variables, and chi-square test was utilized for the statistical analysis of the qualitative variables. Results: Prevalence of neck and shoulder complaints among the nurses with high physical workload was significantly higher than in those nurses with low physical workload. Unlike physical workload, the prevalence of neck and shoulder complaints was not significantly different between the nurses with low or high psychological workload. Prevalence of neck and shoulder complaints among the female nurses was significantly higher than in the male nurses. In our study, only female nurses with high physical workload had been known as independent predictors of neck and shoulder complaints. Conclusion: Those nurses who had more workload, especially physical workload, had a higher prevalence of neck and shoulder complaints, and this fact could affect their work tasks.
ABSTRACT
Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are the most common occupational injuries in dentists. These disorders occur due to the specific characteristics of dentistry occupation such as the use of tools and instruments and awkward posture. The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of multifaceted ergonomic program on reducing musculoskeletal disorders in dentists. Methods: One hundred-two male dentists who worked in dentistry clinics of Tehran's hospitals participated in this interventional study. Participants were randomly divided into control (n=50) and intervention (n=52) groups. Dentists in the intervention group (n=52) underwent multifaceted ergonomic intervention program for 8 weeks and dentists in the control group (n=50) only received the measurements. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was evaluated in each of the 2 groups at 3 time points before the intervention, 3, and 6 months after the intervention using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Paired t-test was used to compare the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders before and after the ergonomic intervention program at the end of 3 and 6 months. Results: The results revealed that the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was reduced after the intervention in the neck, shoulder, arm, wrist, back, thigh, knees, and feet (p<0.05). On the other hand, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders increased in the control group in the neck, shoulder, arm, wrist, thigh, and knee, respectively. The survey results revealed that 98% of the participants agreed with this intervention program. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that the multifaceted ergonomic intervention program, which included improving working conditions, identifying ergonomic risk factors, regular exercise, and discussion group meetings, could decrease the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in dentists.
