Musculoskeletal injuries associated with ergonomic risk factors in health professionals

Abstract

Introduction. Musculoskeletal injuries in health professionals comprise a problem that has been little studied but has a profound impact for the professional, for the patient who receives their care, and for the employing organization. They represent high rates of morbidity and work disability; Therefore, its direct and indirect costs are exceedingly high and health institutions do not know the reality of their workers. Aim. Evaluate the management of ergonomic risk factors and their relationship with musculoskeletal injuries in health personnel. Methodology. Descriptive, cross-sectional cohort study, applying a structured and validated questionnaire to 240 professionals from the IESS Ambato General Hospital, selected through a stratified sampling of proportional allocation and under inclusion, exclusion, and ethical criteria. Data analysis was conducted in the IBM SPSS v20 system. Results. The personal risk factors of the workers showed an age between 25 to 40 years, a BMI of 24, the majority do not perform physical activity, and most have hypothyroidism, arthritis, and osteoarthritis. The most frequent musculoskeletal injuries were neck pain and low back pain and less than half had no treatment. Knowledge of ergonomic risk factors is extremely low, and the organization's actions are not sufficient to mitigate this problem; Therefore, a significant association (p=0.000) was found between BF and risk factor management. Conclusion. Evaluation of ergonomic risk factors. In health professionals it can contribute to the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries; Thus, occupational health must be considered a fundamental pillar in the development of an institution.