Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare workers in medical radiation environments.

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are among the most commonly reported occupational diseases worldwide. Healthcare workers, such as medical radiation staff, are susceptible to WMSDs.

Objective: To analyze the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and their influencing factors among professionals working in medical radiation institutions.

Methods: This study employed cluster random sampling and included 1669 medical radiation staff members from medical units and institutions in Guangdong Province, China. The modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to analyze musculoskeletal symptoms in nine body regions over the previous 12 months. The chi-square test was used to analyze the association between WMSDs and these factors. Logistic regression was used to identify potential influencing factors.

Results: This study collected 1669 complete and valid questionnaires. The overall self-reported prevalence of WMSDs among medical radiation staff was 15.3%. Multivariate logistic regression showed that gender, alcohol consumption, senior rank hospital, repetitive motions at work, overtime work, and prolonged maintenance of the same posture increased the risk of WMSDs (P < 0.05). Adjustable work chairs and comfortable workplace temperatures were protective factors against WMSDs (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Being female, alcohol consumption, higher hospital level, repetitive motions, working overtime, and maintaining a single posture contributed to the risk of neck, shoulder, and lower back WMSDs among medical radiation staff. Prevention and management strategies to facilitate reduction in adverse health effects on the occupational health of the medical radiation staff should be considered.