Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders amongst Obstetrics and Gynaecology Professionals

Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most important and most common occupational injuries that lead to disability and absence from work. Given the increasing prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of disorders in gynecologists in 2017.

In this cross-sectional study, all experts participating in the 14th International Congress of Gynecologists and Obstetrics of Iran were selected based on a census method. Finally, 50 subjects participated in the study. Nordic questionnaire including demographic information and general and specific occupational questions were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using two-sample t-test, chi-square test.

The highest and lowest level of pain perception among specialists after the onset of work was on average in the neck area (81%) and elbow (15%). The frequency of pain and discomfort experienced by musculoskeletal disorders during the last year was Neck (73%), Lower Back (63%), Shoulders (41%), Upper Back (36%), Knees (34%), Wrists (24%), Arms (16%) and elbows (7%) reported. Also, there was a statistically significant relationship between age, work experience, hours of activity per week with pain in different areas of the body (P-value <0.05).

The prevalence of skeletal disorders in gynecologists is high because the main tasks of this occupation are to bend for examination. Ergonomic assessment with more accurate methods as well as ergonomic interventions in the workplace of gynecologists with lower job satisfaction is needed.