Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in clinical laboratory personnel in the city of Riobamba, Ecuador
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Abstract
Introduction: Clinical laboratory personnel are exposed to multiple occupational hazards. However, most studies have focused on biological, physical and chemical risks, with little information on ergonomic risks and their relationship with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in this population. Objective: To determine the prevalence of MSDs in clinical laboratory personnel in the city of Riobamba, Ecuador, and their association with personal and organizational factors. Methodology: Descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study conducted between June and November 2024. The Standardized Nordic Questionnaire to assess the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms in nine body regions: neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists/hands, upper back, lower back, hips/thighs, knees and ankles/feet, together with a survey on sociodemographic and organizational variables, was applied to 40 technicians and professionals from four private clinical laboratories in the city of Riobamba, Ecuador. A descriptive analysis was performed using absolute and relative frequencies, and Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to evaluate associations between variables. GraphPad Prism software version 8.0 was used, considering a value of p < 0.05 as statistically significant. Results: 71.3 % of the participants reported musculoskeletal symptoms. The most affected body areas were the trunk (37.15 %), neck (15.33 %), shoulders (14.46 %) and wrists (10.02 %). The highest prevalence was observed in the age group 26 to 50 years. A significant association was found between the presence of MSDs and female sex (p = 0.007), as well as with shift work (p = 0.049). Conclusion: The results show a high prevalence of MSDs in clinical laboratory personnel, which highlights the need to implement preventive measures aimed at the ergonomic redesign of the work environment, as well as training programs focused on the specific risks associated with these functions.
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