Prevalence, characteristics, consequences, and awareness of work-related musculoskeletal pain among cardiac sonographers compared with other healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background Evidence related to work-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMSP) among cardiac sonographers is incomplete. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, characteristics, consequences, and awareness of WRMSP among cardiac sonographers compared with other healthcare workers in different healthcare settings in Saudi Arabia. Methods This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, survey-based study. An electronic self-administered survey using a modified version of the Nordic questionnaire was distributed to cardiac sonographers and control participants of other healthcare professions exposed to different occupational hazards. The χ2 test and logistic regression were performed to compare groups. Results In total, 308 participants completed the survey (mean age: 32.1±8.4; females: 207(68.1%)): 152(49.4%) sonographers and 156(50.6%) controls. WRMSP was more prevalent among cardiac sonographers than controls(84.8% vs 64.7%, p<0.0001), even after adjustment for age, sex, height, weight, BMI, education, years in current position, work-setting, and regular exercise(odds ratio [95% CI]: 3.0[1.54, 5.82], p = 0.001). Pain was more severe(p = 0.020) and lasted longer among cardiac sonographers(p = 0.050). The most affected body regions were the shoulders(63.2% vs 24.4%), hands(55.9% vs 18.6%), neck(51.3% vs 35.9), and elbows(23% vs 4.5%; p<0.01 for all). Pain in cardiac sonographers interfered with daily and social activities and interrupted their work-related activities(p<0.05 for all). More cardiac sonographers had plans to change profession(43.4% vs 15.8%; p<0.0001). A higher proportion of cardiac sonographers were aware of WRMSP(81% vs 77%) and its potential risks(70% vs 67%). However, cardiac sonographers infrequently utilised recommended preventative ergonomic measures for improving work practices, received insufficient ergonomics education and training on the risks and prevention of WRMSP, and had insufficient ergonomic work environment and support from employers. Conclusions WRMSP was more frequent and more severe in cardiac sonographers than in controls and adversely impacted their daily, social, and work-related activities, and future employment plans. Despite high awareness of WRMSP and its potential risks, cardiac sonographers infrequently utilised recommended preventative ergonomic measures and had insufficient ergonomic work environment and support from employers.

Prevalence and Burden of Musculoskeletal Pain among Cardiac Sonographers in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Our findings agree with those of previous domestic and global studies that demonstrated a high prevalence of WMSP among cardiac sonographers [ 2 , 7 , 8 , 11 ]. This high percentage of WMSP necessitates a holistic approach despite advanced developments in the design of ergonomic workstations with sophisticated equipment and ultrasound systems.…”

“…This high percentage of WMSP necessitates a holistic approach despite advanced developments in the design of ergonomic workstations with sophisticated equipment and ultrasound systems. The pain locations revealed by cardiac sonographers in our study were consistent with those reported in our previous national study and in the literature [ 2 , 8 , 9 , 11 ]. Female sex is also a risk factor for WRMSP [ 23 ].…”

“…As the number of graduates from this program has increased in the region, concerns about WMSP have arisen. This is particularly important because the program predominantly consists of females, and research indicates a strong association between female and experiencing WMSP [ 10 , 11 ]. Consequently, this demand is anticipated to rise further, with the increasing burden of cardiovascular risk factors among the Saudi Arabian population [ 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”

“…The burden of WMSP among cardiac sonographers in Saudi Arabia has not been thoroughly studied, and the scanning conditions and/or techniques under which cardiac sonographers work may differ regionally [ 15 ]. To date, only one study has comprehensively investigated the prevalence, characteristics, consequences, and awareness of WMSP among cardiac sonographers in Saudi Arabia and found that WMSP is highly prevalent among cardiac sonographers [ 11 ]. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and impact of WMSP among cardiac sonographers in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia.…”

Evaluación de lesiones osteomusculares en trabajadores de la cooperativa de ahorro y crédito

“…Son el resultado del desequilibrio entre las demandas biomecánicas y las capacidades funcionales del trabajador. 6 Los trastornos musculo esqueléticos se relacionan con la incapacidad laboral, dentro de los cuales se encuentra con mayor prevalencia la tendinitis del manguito rotador, bursitis, síndrome del túnel carpiano, tenosinovitis de Quervain, epicondilitis lateral y medial, dolor lumbar inespecífico, entre otros. 7 Estas lesiones en algunas ocasiones son de difícil diagnóstico ya que en la mayoría de los casos la única manifestación es el dolor que es una sensación subjetiva por lo que es necesario analizar las condiciones laborales a las que está expuesto trabajador.…”