[Analysis of influencing factors and intervention on work-related musculoskeletal disorders among fire rescue personnel]

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the factors influencing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among fire rescue personnel and evaluate the effectiveness of a multidimensional intervention approach, in order to provide scientific evidence for the prevention of WMSDs among fire rescue personnel. Methods: A random sampling method was adopted. From March to November 2022, 5119 fire rescue personnel from 10 administrative districts of a certain city were investigated as the baseline research subjects. From March to November 2023, a "comprehensive multidimensional intervention combining prevention and treatment" was implemented on 2353 of these fire rescue personnel. The revised "Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire" was used to investigate the occurrence of WMSDs symptoms before and after the intervention. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between occupational factors, psychosocial factors, and the risk of WMSDs. McNemar's test was employed to compare the incidence of WMSDs and absenteeism rate caused by WMSDs among fire rescue personnel before and after the interventions. Results: Being married was a risk factor for both single-site and overall WMSDs (P<0.05). Smoking emerged as a risk factor for overall WMSDs, while ceasing smoking was deemed a protective factor against single-site and multi-site WMSDs (P<0.05). Work tenure≥5 years was identified as a risk factor for multi-site WMSDs (P<0.05). Additionally, weekly working hours ≥49 hours, frequency of outdoor duties ≥once a week, occupational stress, and negative emotions during working outside were recognized as risk factors for both multi-site WMSDs and overall WMSDs (P<0.05). Prior to the intervention, the incidence rates for single-site, multi-site, and overall WMSDs were 12.28% (289/2353), 32.51% (765/2353), and 44.79% (1054/2353), respectively. The absenteeism rates caused by single-site, multiple-site, and overall WMSDs were 2.93% (69/2353), 8.84% (208/2353), and 11.77% (277/2353), respectively. After the multidimensional intervention, the incidence rates of WMSDs in the neck, shoulders, back, elbows, waist, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, multiple-site, and overall WMSDs among the fire rescue personnel, as well as the absenteeism rates caused by WMSDs in the aforementioned body regions, all decreased significantly (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Marital status, smoking status, weekly working hours, seniority, outdoor duty frequency, occupational stress, and negative emotions of fire rescue personnel may be important factors influencing the occurrence of WMSDs. A multidimensional intervention approach, incorporating initiatives such as awareness campaigns, health education, psychological well-being interventions, and exercise rehabilitation interventions, can effectively reduce the incidence of WMSDs and the resulting absenteeism rates among fire rescue personnel.

Keywords: Ergonomics; Fire rescue personnel; Influencing factor; Intervention; Musculoskeletal system; Work-related musculoskeletal disorders.