MyMedR

Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 93 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Fulltext Effect of break time on the upper extremity musculoskeletal disorder development among intensive computer users in Malaysia

Thulasi, M., Rosnah Md Yusuff, Norzima bt Zulkifli, Perimal, Enoch Kumar

Life Sciences, Medicine and Biomedicine, 2018;2(1):6-13.
MyJurnal

Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) has become a common problem among office workers in Malaysia. Studies have shown that an appropriate work-rest schedule can reduce fatigue and MSDs among office workers. In Malaysia, there has been an increase in the occurrence of MSDs, especially in work that require intensive computer use. Operators who used computers continuously for more than 4 hours a day have shown to develop CTDs. Studies on the effect of break time on the performance of office workers in Malaysia are still lacking. As such this study was aimed to evaluate effect of work rest schedule on the discomfort, performance and muscular load levels of computer users in Malaysia. The effect of break time starting with no break, one minute and 30 seconds break interval were carried out on the 15 subjects. EMG was measured for each task given. Performance which was calculated by multiplying speed and accuracy (WPM) showed 30 seconds break was 13.5% higher than 1 minute break and 20.14% higher than schedule with no break. EMG analyses showed 30 seconds have lowest mean AEMG which was 0.035 for flexor carpi ulnaris and 0.0331 for radialis muscles. It also recorded least discomfort scale for upper extremity muscles compared to the other two schedules. This study showed that more frequent microbreaks can improve performance of office workers and reduce MSD problem from occurring.

Matched MeSH terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases
Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and its relation to depression among workers in kindergarten

Pirbalouti MG, Shariat A, Sangelaji B, Taghavi M, Kamaliyeh NG

Work, 2017;58(4):519-525.
PMID: 29254133 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172648

BACKGROUND: Working in a closed environment for more than 7-8 hours can affect both psychological and physical health among kindergarten workers.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and depression as well as the correlation between them, if any, among kindergarten workers.
METHODS: In a cross-sectional observation, one hundred and five healthy female staff members (age: 34.27±7.01 year, working duration: 7.42±0.81 hr/d, BMI: 24.50±2.61 kg/m2 (mean±SD)), who have had at least one year of working experience, were selected randomly from 10 kindergartens. The subjects completed both the Cornell musculoskeletal and Patient Health (PHQ-9) questionnaires to enable the assessments of MSD and depression scores accordingly. The correlation between both questionnaires was then measured to find any links. To assess the reliability of Farsi-language versions of the Cornell questionnaire and PHQ-9, the Inter-class Correlation Co-efficient (ICC) was measured through test-retest with 1-week delay and the prevalence of MSD and depression were subsequently assessed as well.
RESULTS: The Inter-class Correlation Co-efficient (ICC) illustrated that the Farsi version of MSD instruments showed high levels of repeatability. The ICC coefficient was (0.932-0.987, p

Matched MeSH terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases/complications*; Musculoskeletal Diseases/epidemiology; Musculoskeletal Diseases/psychology
Fulltext Pen and paper based observational method to assess postural problems: a review

Sukadarin, E.H., Deros, B.M., Nawi, N.S.M., Rambely, A.S., Bakar, S.A., Tamrin, S.B.M.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(20):78-83.
MyJurnal

Posture is one of the most important factor that need to be considered in any postural analysis. Awkward, extreme,
and repetitive postures can increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). As observational methods are more
widely used than instrumentation-based methods to assess postural problems, this study reviews and assesses the
scientific literature of observational methods and focused on pen and paper based specifically. In order to identify the
published methods, a list of English or Malay articles dating as far back as 1990 was compiled from PubMed, Science
Direct and Google Scholar. The keywords were ergo*, posture*, method*, observational*, postural problems*, pen and
paper*, posture analysis*, indirect* and macro-ergo*. In addition, a secondary search was also performed using
bibliography of retrieved articles so that additional papers for conducting review and evaluations can be collected. A
total of 121 articles that assessed postural problems in working activities were found. However, after intensive
screening process only 6 articles were selected to be further analyzed. Posture of upper arms/shoulder, lower arms/
elbow, wrist, neck, back/trunk and leg were highlighted in this study. The limitations and the strengths of the
published pen and paper based observational method focusing on those postures were also discussed. The finding of
this review will benefit researchers in the process of understanding unsafe posture in workplace. It could also provide
to researcher on how to improve the current pen and paper based observational method for assessing postural
problems.

Matched MeSH terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases
Fulltext Rula analysis of work-related musculoskeletal disorder Among polypropylene fibrillated yarn industry worker using Digital human modelling (dhm)

Kabilmiharbi, N, Selamat, F.E

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(101):53-60.
MyJurnal

Manual workers in plastics industry are often exposed to work related discomfort and pain while performing their daily
task. These exposure leads to common occupational diseases such as Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WMSD) or
low back pain (LBP) which in turn will affect their working performance. The main objective for this study is to
analyse the working posture of a manual worker that works in a polypropylene fibrillated yarn industry using RULA
assessment in CATIA P3 V5R14 software. The subject were selected from the packaging area as the manual handling
work are only present in that area. Based on the RULA analysis done by constructing the worker posture in the
software, several awkward postures were identified to be high in risk factors. The postures that is high in risk is
postures 3 which is due to lifting heavy loads and twisting or turning of the trunk. The postures obtained the final
RULA analysis score of 7 and this indicates that changes must be done immediately. It is recommended that the
company should increase the ergonomic awareness among the manual workers especially while performing their work
and to redesign the working posture for the manual workers.

Matched MeSH terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases
Fulltext Prevalence, symptom severity and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders among dental therapists in Malaysia. [Abstract]

Faizah Abdul Karim, Ishak Abdul Razak

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2017;16(21):16.
MyJurnal

Conference abstract: First IIUM International Dental Conference 2017 [ABSTRACT ID: 73, Oral]
Introduction: Dental therapists are one of the main dental workforce in Malaysia and are exposed to various risk factors of MSD. However, studies on MSD among dental therapists are limited. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence, the sites affected, the symptom severity, the impact, the risk factors and the association between individual, biomechanical, physical and psychosocial risk factors with prevalence of MSD among dental therapists.
Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted using self-administered questionnaire which was distributed to all dental therapists in Perak, Terengganu and Kuala Lumpur in February 2017, from which a response rate of 89.2% was achieved.
Results: There was a high prevalence of MSD (87.5%) among the respondents. The MSD was found to be affecting mainly the back (69.7%), neck (66.7%), shoulders (58.7%) and wrists/hands (50.2%) while MSD of the elbow and lower extremities was found to more severe and often affect their daily work. Most of the respondents who reported MSD accommodated their own symptoms with analgesics or sought alternative treatment (20.1%). Majority reported that they often used vibratory instruments (76.1%), involved in biomechanical risk activities, and perceived that they have a high job demand and lack of authority to make decisions related to work. Age (OR: 3.58; 95% CI: 1.644, 7.773), number of extractions (OR: 4.69; 95% CI: 1.348, 16.327) as well as psychosocial factors (OR: 4.05; 95% CI: 1.547, 10.613) were significantly associated with prevalence of MSD.
Conclusion(s): Therefore, preventive measures should be implemented to reduce the burden of MSD.
KEYWORDS: musculoskeletal disorders, dental therapist, impact, symptom severity, risk factor

Matched MeSH terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases
Fulltext RULA mobile android application software

Yusof Kadikon, Imran Mohd Shafek, M. Maarof Bahurdin

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2015;12(1):121-124.
MyJurnal

In Malaysia, the number of Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) cases is increasing . Rapid Upper Limb Assessment
(RULA) is carried out in a physical paper form which is cumbersome and based on the complex nature and it should
consider human error. This project aims to create the RULA application for mobile devices featuring the android system
for this move will cut down the process time by more than half, create a more structured system and eliminate human
error wholly. The application will be designed on the App Inventor website which features a lot of handy tutorials
and takes the initiative to create a RULA mobile app for Android phones. The RULA mobile app for Android phones
is intended to make it easier and much more efficient to conduct a RULA analysis. Additionally, the analyses can be
conducted by minimally trained users, eliminating the need for highly trained technicians. RULA test is performed to
achieve accurate results and the mathematical processes will be programmed into the app so that the user will have a
friendly interface and will only be asked to tick boxes.

Matched MeSH terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases
Fulltext Design automotive driver seat ergonomically for Malaysian anthropometry measurement

Mugilan Muralitharan, Syed Ahmad Helmi, Kamarulafizam Ismail, Azanizawati Ma'aram

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2018;18(102):60-65.
MyJurnal

Aesthetic value of the automotive car seat has been one of the selling points of each car besides
providing functions such as being safe, supportive as well provides comfort to the occupants. Other
criteria considered besides the aesthetic element are cushion foam and self-adjustment factor.
Ergonomics is not a new issue because most of the existing seat design today have already practiced it.
Existing car seat manufacturers have considered anthropometry data. The average upon 95th percentile of
human measurement had been deliberated. However, issues such as time spent driving and seat design
issue have arisen upon the search of comfort and rising of musculoskeletal disease such as back pain. As a
solution, this study would propose an automotive car seat design of ergonomic evolution, which would
create comfort by manipulating the seat cushion foams. The proposed seat cushion foam would be use to
replace the existing polymers with beanbag foam. This is inspire by the nature of beanbag, fitting up and
providing comfort to the occupants of various body sizes and shapes. Malaysian anthropometry
measurements are required for design of car seat, which later compared with the existing seats of
commercial vehicle. The literature review showed the pressure mapping technique of respondent seating
on the existing car seat. The most sensitive compartments where discomfort are experienced studied and
placed with sachets filed with beanbag beads. This experiment conducted many times over a few
respondents by using the pressure mat to find out, if there are any changes in terms of comfort. This
design of new car seat with a manipulation cushion foam replaced with beanbag foam could be a niche to
eliminate discomfort to all range body sizes and shapes.

Matched MeSH terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases
Berberine and musculoskeletal disorders: The therapeutic potential and underlying molecular mechanisms

Wong SK, Chin KY, Ima-Nirwana S

Phytomedicine, 2020 Jul 15;73:152892.
PMID: 30902523 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2019.152892

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are a group of disorders that affect the joints, bones, and muscles, causing long-term disability. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, has been previously established to exhibit beneficial properties in preventing various diseases, including musculoskeletal disorders.
PURPOSE: This review article aims to recapitulate the therapeutic potential of berberine and its mechanism of action in treating musculoskeletal disorders.
METHODS: A wide range of literature illustrating the effects of berberine in ameliorating musculoskeletal disorders was retrieved from online electronic databases (PubMed and Medline) and reviewed.
RESULTS: Berberine may potentially retard the progression of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Limited studies reported the effects of berberine in suppressing the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells. These beneficial properties of berberine are mediated in part through its ability to target multiple signaling pathways, including PKA, p38 MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, AMPK, RANK/RANKL/OPG, PI3K/Akt, NFAT, NF-κB, Hedgehog, and oxidative stress signaling. In addition, berberine exhibited anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressive properties.
CONCLUSION: The current evidence indicates that berberine may be effective in preventing musculoskeletal disorders. However, findings from in vitro and in vivo investigations await further validation from human clinical trial.

Matched MeSH terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases/drug therapy*; Musculoskeletal Diseases/metabolism; Musculoskeletal Diseases/prevention & control
Fulltext Medical problems in an oil palm estate

Chua WT, Lim CH

Family Practitioner, 1982;5(3):49-53.

Oil palm estates and associated industries employ a fair proportion of workers. Good medical care benefits both the employers and the employees. The pattern of illness is not very different from that found in general practice. However, certain environmental factors, the nature of occupation and the water supply can influence the increased incidence of certain diseases. Upper respiratory tract infection, acute gastroenteritis, contact dermatitis (eczemas & rashes) eye, and ear diseases, injuries and musculoskeletal diseases are the commonest causes of morbidity. The resident doctor, who has a good knowledge of the environment of his patients is in the best position to practise preventive medicine or early intervention, thereby reducing illnesses and improving productivity of the workers.

Matched MeSH terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases
Fulltext Evaluation of in vitro wound healing efficacy of breadfruit derived starch hydrolysate

Amin, Z.M., Koh, S.P., Tan, C.P., Yeap, S.K., Hamid, N.S.A., Long, K.

International Food Research Journal, 2017;24(4):1771-1781.
MyJurnal

To study the wound healing efficacy of breadfruit starch hydrolysate, an in vitro wound scratch assay was conducted, in which the migration rate of wounded NIH 3T3 fibroblasts was determined. Wounds treated with lower dextrose equivalent (DE), (DE 10-14) starch hydrolysate were found capable to improve the wound healing of NIH 3T3 fibroblast cell with the percentage of wound closure improvement of 77%, respectively when compared with higher DE range (DE 15-19 and DE 20-24). The findings obtained in the BrdU uptake and MTT viability assays confirmed the wound healing properties of breadfruit starch hydrolysate as the starch hydrolysate-treated wounded NIH 3T3 fibroblasts were able to proliferate well and no cytotoxicity was observed. Together, these findings indicated that the newly developed breadfruit starch hydrolysate performed better than commercial (COM) starch hydrolysate of the same DE ranges. In conclusion, breadfruit starch hydrolysate had better functional properties than did starch hydrolysates derived from other sources and that they could play a beneficial role in wound healing applications.

Matched MeSH terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases
Preliminary study of the patterns and physical risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among academicians in a higher learning institute

Mohan V, Justine M, Jagannathan M, Aminudin S, Johari SH

J Orthop Sci, 2015 Mar;20(2):410-7.
PMID: 25542222 DOI: 10.1007/s00776-014-0682-4

BACKGROUND: Research has been conducted on the prevalence and physical risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among occupations such as agriculture workers, office workers, school teachers, and health care professionals. However, a paucity of research exists on the patterns and physical risk factors of WMSDs among the academicians in a higher learning institution. This study was conducted to determine the patterns and physical risk factors of WMSDs among the academicians.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 228 subjects with a mean age of participants of 32.3 ± 7.8 for a period of 1 year from December 2011 until December 2012. An extended neordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ-E) was used to assess the patterns of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The short version of the Dutch musculoskeletal questionnaire (DMQ) was used to determine the physical risk factors of WMSDs among the academicians. Descriptive statistics and Pearson Chi square test were used for data analysis.
RESULTS: The 1-year pattern of WMSDs among the academicians were neck pain (44.7 %), followed by shoulder pain (40.4 %), upper and lower back pain (33.3 %), and the least common region was elbow pain (3.5 %). Among 20 common physical activities in DMQ, 15 physical activities performed by the academicians in their workplace were considered as a physical risk factors for neck, shoulder, and back pain at p < 0.05.
CONCLUSION: The preliminary study demonstrated that neck pain, shoulder pain, and back pain were the most common WMSDs among the academicians in a higher learning institution.

Matched MeSH terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases/epidemiology*
Ergonomics intervention through work organization solution: The way forward

Vinothini P, Leonard HJ, Omar B

Appl Ergon, 2015 Jan;46 Pt A:231.
PMID: 25069765 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2014.07.004
Matched MeSH terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases/prevention & control*
Fulltext The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder and association with productivity loss: a preliminary study among labour intensive manual harvesting activities in oil palm plantation

Ng YG, Tamrin SB, Yik WM, Yusoff IS, Mori I

Ind Health, 2014;52(1):78-85.
PMID: 24292878

Production agriculture such as harvesting in oil palm plantation has been frequently associated with MSD and significant loss of productivities. This study tends to evaluate from the viewpoint of health, the association between self-reported prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and productivities; the impact of musculoskeletal disorders on productivity. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 143 harvesters in oil palm plantation. A general questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic background data while Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of MSD. Expressed in 4 different indicators; daily harvesting quantity, efficiency score, sick leave and presenteeism, the productivity data were analysed for association. There is significant association between reported acute prevalence of MSD (within 7 d) and productivity loss in terms of presenteeism (χ(2)=5.088; p<0.05) as well as quantity of daily harvest (χ(2)=7.406; p<0.01). Logistic regression adjusted for age, BMI and smoking indicate that harvesters with MSD (past seven days) were more likely to be engaged in presenteeism (OR=2.87 95% CI=1.34, 6.14) and had lower daily productivity (OR=2.09 95% CI=1.02, 4.29) compared to harvesters without MSD (past 7 d). This study reveals that oil palm harvesters suffering acute MSD (for the past week) were likely to be still present to work and produce half lesser than their healthy counterparts. Thus, further study with comprehensive surveillance strategy is essential in order to determine the urgency or need of appropriate intervention.

Matched MeSH terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases/epidemiology*
Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among staffs in specialized healthcare centre

Ibrahim NI, Mohanadas D

Work, 2012;41 Suppl 1:2452-60.
PMID: 22317086 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0480-2452

This study was conducted to investigate pervasiveness of the musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) among staffs in a specialized healthcare centre. Sixty-eight staffs from three departments namely Cardiovascular Lab (CVL), Nuclear Radiology, and General Radiography were recruited in this study. A modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was distributed among study population. The result shows that the prevalence of MSD was highest in lower back (88.2%), neck (76.5%) and shoulder (60.3%) for the past 12 months followed by lower back and elbow (44.1%), and wrist (39.1%) correspondingly, for the past 7 days. Present results suggest that healthcare professionals - radiographers, patient assistants and nurses incurs MSD risks through work tasks as well as psychosocial factors. These include awkward posture during patient handling, workload, work stress and time pressure. Therefore, an ergonomics improvement on the job design and workspace are needed in order to reduce the MSD risks.

Matched MeSH terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases/epidemiology*
The effects of office ergonomic training on musculoskeletal complaints, sickness absence, and psychological well-being: a cluster randomized control trial

Mahmud N, Kenny DT, Md Zein R, Hassan SN

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2015 Mar;27(2):NP1652-68.
PMID: 21878465 DOI: 10.1177/1010539511419199

This study explored whether musculoskeletal complaints can be reduced by the provision of ergonomics education. A cluster randomized controlled trial study was conducted in which 3 units were randomized to intervention and received training and 3 units were given a leaflet. The effect of intervention on knowledge, workstation practices, musculoskeletal complaints, sickness absence, and psychological well-being were assessed at 6 and 12 months. Although there was no increment of knowledge among workers, significant improvements in workstation practices in the use of monitor, keyboard, and chair were observed. There were significant reductions in neck and upper and lower back complaints among workers but these did not translate into fewer days lost from work. Workers' stress was found to be significantly reduced across the studies. In conclusion, office ergonomics training can be beneficial in reducing musculoskeletal risks and stress among workers.

Matched MeSH terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases*
The relationship between psychosocial work factors, work stress and computer-related musculoskeletal discomforts among computer users in Malaysia

Zakerian SA, Subramaniam ID

Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 2009;15(4):425-34.
PMID: 20003776

Increasing numbers of workers use computer for work. So, especially among office workers, there is a high risk of musculoskeletal discomforts. This study examined the associations among 3 factors, psychosocial work factors, work stress and musculoskeletal discomforts. These associations were examined via a questionnaire survey on 30 office workers (at a university in Malaysia), whose jobs required an extensive use of computers. The questionnaire was distributed and collected daily for 20 days. While the results indicated a significant relationship among psychosocial work factors, work stress and musculoskeletal discomfort, 3 psychosocial work factors were found to be more important than others in both work stress and musculoskeletal discomfort: job demands, negative social interaction and computer-related problems. To further develop study design, it is necessary to investigate industrial and other workers who have experienced musculoskeletal discomforts and work stress.

Matched MeSH terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases/etiology*
Prevalence of work-related upper limbs symptoms (WRULS) among office workers

Zairina Abdul Rahman, Abdul Sallam Atiya

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2009 Jul;21(3):252-8.
PMID: 19546127 DOI: 10.1177/1010539509341423

An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of work-related upper limbs symptoms (WRULS) among office workers and factors associated with it. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the information. A total of 463 (87.7%) office workers from selected government agencies participated in this study. The mean age of the respondents was 34.1 years (range = 18-55 years). Majority (91.6%) were Malay and female (72.8%), and 58.1% were from clerical group. Mean duration of work was 8.7 years. This study found that prevalence of WRULS was 33.0% (95% CI [confidence interval] = 28.8%, 37.3%). Computer users at work had 2.0 (95% CI = 1.1, 3.4) higher odds ratio of developing WRULS and those who used it for 5 hours and more per day had 7.5 (95% CI = 2.3, 24.2) higher odds ratio of developing WRULS. Hand-intensive hobbies and higher education were also found to be associated with WRULS.

Matched MeSH terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases/epidemiology*
Patterns of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among workers in palm plantation occupation

Henry LJ, Jafarzadeh Esfehani A, Ramli A, Ishak I, Justine M, Mohan V

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2015 Mar;27(2):NP1785-92.
PMID: 23417907 DOI: 10.1177/1010539513475657

This study investigated the patterns of ongoing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) and exposure risk to musculoskeletal injuries for various body regions among palm plantation workers. Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (SNMQ) was used to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders symptoms. The Quick Exposure check (QEC) was used to assess the exposure risk of farmers to WRMDs. The common pattern of WRMDs was back pain (40%), followed by shoulder pain (19%). The QEC revealed high exposure risk for neck (56%), followed by back (45.6%). The results from the SNMQ showed that 58% reported pain in 1 region, followed by 2 regions (10.7%) and 3 regions (3.6%). Back pain and shoulder pain were found to be common among workers in palm plantation occupation. Nevertheless, the neck region appeared to have the highest risk of exposure to injuries.

Matched MeSH terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases/epidemiology*
Fulltext The prevalence of musculoskeletal problems and risk factors among women assembly workers in the semiconductor industry

Chandrasakaran A, Chee HL, Rampal KG, Tan GLE

Med J Malaysia, 2003 Dec;58(5):657-66.
PMID: 15190650

A cross-sectional study to determine work-related musculoskeletal problems and ergonomic risk factors was conducted among 529 women semiconductor workers. Overall, 83.4% had musculoskeletal symptoms in the last one year. Pain in the back (57.8%), lower leg (48.4%) and shoulder (44.8%) were the three most common musculoskeletal problems. Significant associations were found between prolonged standing and upper and lower leg pain, between prolonged sitting and neck and shoulder pain and between prolonged bending and shoulder arm, back and upper leg pain. The study therefore showed a clear association between work-related musculoskeletal pain and prolonged hours spent in particular postures and movements.

Matched MeSH terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases/epidemiology*
The need for educating healthcare professionals regarding good musculoskeletal health practice

Mohd Yusoff NS, Firdaus MKZH, Jamaludin FIC, Che Hasan MK

Enferm Clin, 2019 09;29 Suppl 2:579-584.
PMID: 31281003 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2019.04.089

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and practice of body mechanics towards preserving musculoskeletal health in daily routine activities of HCPs (medical officers, staff nurses, community health nurses, assistant medical officers, physiotherapists, and assistant nurses) from Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Pahang.
METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted with convenience sampling employed across five different departments. The departments were a department of medical, surgical, orthopedics, emergency and rehabilitation. The samples were selected according to a minimum of two years of clinical experience without any history of low back surgery. An instrument consists of socio-demographic background, knowledge on body mechanics and Owestry Low Back Pain Disability Index Questionnaire was used in this study.
RESULTS: A total of 139 HCPs were recruited including medical officers, staff nurses, community health nurses, assistant medical officers, physiotherapists, and assistant nurses. A self-administered questionnaire pertaining to knowledge revealed that 73.4% of HCPs had inadequate knowledge of musculoskeletal body mechanics. Among all, 90.6% (minimal: 9.4%, moderate: 43.2%, severe: 42.4%, crippled: 5.0%) of HCPs showed moderate to crippled disability using Oswestry Disability Index classifications indicating the poor practice of body mechanics while working.
CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that a lack of knowledge among healthcare professionals lead to the inadequate practice of preserving musculoskeletal health while carrying out duty in caring patients. It is suggested that enforcing and emphasizing health education for healthcare professionals is urgently needed towards reducing the risk of the musculoskeletal problem among healthcare professionals.

Matched MeSH terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases/prevention & control*

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links