Prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders among Physiotherapists in Sabah: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: The study is aimed to find out the prevalence work-related musculoskeletal disorders among physiotherapists in Sabah. Background: Physiotherapists are known to be prone to Work-Related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) but its prevalence among physiotherapists in Sabah (East) Malaysia has not been reported. This study investigated the prevalence and work factors of WRMDs among physiotherapists in Sabah. Design: A cross-sectional survey. Methods: A survey was administered to physiotherapists in different parts of Sabah. 100 copies of the questionnaire were distributed to different Hospital or Rehabilitation centres in Sabah. Result: A 12-month prevalence of WRMDs among physiotherapists in Sabah was 70 respondents with odds ratio 2.333333= 70%. Injuries have been occurred mostly in low back region with odds ratio 0.785714= 44%, followed by the neck with odds ratio 0.25= 20.0% from 20 respondents. The highest risk factors in causing the injury were working in the same position for long periods of time with odds ratio 4.833333= 82.9% from 58 respondents, and 4.384615= 81.4% from 57 respondents by lifting or transferring dependent patients. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the rate of WRMDs among physiotherapists in Sabah has been found to be high due to their work factors. Respondents felt that a change in work habits was required in order to decrease the risk of another injury.