Prevalence and factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders among surgeons in Uganda, a cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Musculo-skeletal disorders (MSDs) involve the locomotor apparatus manifesting with pain, numbness and/or disability. Prevalence of work related MSDs in surgeons ranges from 8% to 70% with higher prevalence in Low and middle income countries (LMICs). The factors associated with Work Related Musculo-Skeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) may be individual such as; physical conditioning and demographic factors , or environmental. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine prevalence and factors associated with MSDs among surgeons in Uganda. Methods: A cross sectional study conducted among trainees and specialist surgeons registered with UMDPC. We interviewed 124 participants using a questionnaire adopted from the Nordic Musculo-skeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (DMQ). Data analysis: At univariate level, we presented analysed data in form of frequencies and percentages. We analysed relationships between independent and dependent variables using both Fishers exact test and the Chi Square tests. We considered variables with significant association with MSDs in bivariate analyses for the full regression model. We obtained ethical approval from Makerere University School of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee(SOMREC). REC REF 2020-007 Results: Overall prevalence of MSDs was 90%; 12 month and 7 day prevalence of MSDs were 88.7% and 65.3% respectively. Most common anatomical locations of MSDs were low back (91%), neck(64%), upper back(48%), shoulders(52%) and wrist/hand(53%). Factors associated with MSDs at multivariate analysis were; ‘use of private car for transport’ Prevalence Ratio (PR)(7.54);‘working with arms at or above shoulder level’ PR(0.019); and ‘work in the same posture for long’ PR(0.0051). Conclusion: MSDs are highly prevalent among surgeons in Uganda compared to other LMICs, commonly affecting the lower back and it is necessary to urgently address this problem to protect human