Ergonomic awareness and practices to prevent musculoskeletal disorder among healthcare workers in UAE: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Health professionals are at a higher risk of developing WMSD due to the nature of their work. Ergonomic awareness and practice promote workers' general well-being and safety in the workplace.

Aim: Assess the ergonomic awareness and practice among healthcare workers in the UAE, its relationship with demographic variables and determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in this population.

Method: This was a cross-sectional study among 307 healthcare workers from hospitals in Dubai, Ajman, and Sharjah in the UAE. A self-administered online questionnaire was used for data collection. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between variables.

Results: In the present study, the majority were female (77.4%). Concerning the nationalities, non-EMR (71.4%) and EMR (28.6%). The majority fell within the age group of 30-39 (39%). Regarding work experience, 58% had over ten years of experience. Results showed that 89.3% had good ergonomic awareness, while 63.5% demonstrated good ergonomic practices. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) were reported by 89.6% of participants, with the most common areas of pain being the lower back, neck, and shoulders. Education level was significantly associated with ergonomic awareness (p < 0.05). Age (P < 0.05) and years of experience (P < 0.01) were significantly associated with ergonomic practice. A significant association was observed between MSD and ergonomic awareness (P < 0.01), with good awareness associated with reported pain.

Conclusion: A significant occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), particularly in the neck, low back, and shoulders. The association was observed with education and ergonomic awareness, age and years of experience with practice and MSD and awareness.

Keywords: Awareness; Ergonomics; Health professionals; Healthcare workers; Musculoskeletal disorders; Practice; Work-related disorders; Working condition.