Awareness Of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Medical Laboratory Workers

Authors

  • Lubna Dilaram Clinical Physiotherapist, Institute of Holistic Rehabilitation and Inclusion (IHRI), Karachi, Pakistan
  • Sidra-Tul-Saba Clinical Physiotherapist, Institute of Holistic Rehabilitation and Inclusion (IHRI), Karachi, Pakistan
  • Aqsa Faiz Principal, South City Hospital, South City Institute of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, South City Health Care Educational Hub, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Mubushara Afzal Research Associate, South City Hospital, South City Institute of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, South City Health Care Educational Hub, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Sami-Ur-Rehman Lecturer, South City Hospital, South City Institute of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, South City Health Care Educational Hub, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Syed Sultan Ahmed Zaidi Clinical Physiotherapist, Medicare Cardiac General Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

Keywords:

Musculoskeletal Disorders, Healthcare, Health, Work-load, Physical Activity, Pain

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) have been significantly increasing among the varied range of occupations; however, these are not eluded due to compromised work-related ergonomics. In particular to medical professionals, MSDs are responsible for morbidity, thereby lowering the quality of worker's life and productivity.

Objective: The study investigates the awareness of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among medical laboratory workers.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 135 young male and female laboratory workers of primary and tertiary care hospitals in Karachi using a self-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Participants' descriptive statistics were measured, and associations were drawn for work-related variables.

Results: A total of 136 laboratory workers (n=136) voluntarily participated in the study, with the majority being females (61.8%) and males (38.2%) within the age range of 26-30 years (44.1%). It was shown that, on average, only 40.7% of laboratory workers are aware of inappropriate work-related ergonomics (p = 0.04) and have developed neck pain (34.6%, p = 0.02) and wrist pain (30.4%, p = 0.03) due to workload demand. Most lab workers reported neck pain (34.6%, 40.4%), primarily due to frequent vibrating tools and strenuous shoulder/arm movements (p = 0.01). Additionally, wrist pain was significantly associated with increased workload demand (p = 0.005).

Conclusion: It was concluded that many laboratory workers lack awareness of inappropriate work-related ergonomics in their physically demanding jobs and the associated risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). Therefore, implementing targeted ergonomic training programs, promoting correct posture, and optimizing workplace ergonomics may help significantly reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders.

Keywords: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Health, Work-load, Physical Activity, Pain.

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Published

2025-03-20

How to Cite

1.
Lubna Dilaram, Sidra-Tul-Saba, Aqsa Faiz, Mubushara Afzal, Sami-Ur-Rehman, Syed Sultan Ahmed Zaidi. Awareness Of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Medical Laboratory Workers. J Riphah Coll. Rehabili. sci. [Internet]. 2025Mar.20 [cited 2025Aug.8];13(1). Available from: https://journals.riphah.edu.pk/index.php/jrcrs/article/view/2302

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 1 (2025): JRCRS Volume 13 Issue 1

Section

Original Articles

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