EVALUATION OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS IN PREHOSPITAL EMERGENCY SERVICE PROFESSIONALS

Authors : Ayşenur Yetik Aras, Mehmet Ergin

Pages : 311-326

Doi:10.54409/hod.1765583

View : 66 | Download : 72

Publication Date : 2025-12-28

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: Our study aims to determine the prevalence and characteristics of occupational musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among prehospital emergency medical service (EMS) professionals to protect their health, enhance job satisfaction, and prevent conditions that may lead to job loss. Materialsand Method: This research is a cross-sectional study. It was conducted between January 1st and May 31st, 2017, with 265 personnel working in prehospital EMS. A Personal Information Form and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) were used as data collection tools. Results: It was determined that 85.7% of the EMS providers participating in the study experienced pain, discomfort, or distress in various parts of their bodies, such as the lower back, back, arms, shoulders, legs, or feet, by the end of the day during the last workweek. The most frequently reported areas of pain were the lower back (70.9%), back (56.2%), and neck (49.8%); these regions were found to have primarily moderate pain, which slightly affected their work performance. Statistically significant differences were observed among subgroups in terms of experiencing MSD during the last workweek based on gender, occupational groups, job satisfaction, and exercise habits (p=0.02; p=0.01; p=0.01, and p=0.01, respectively). It was found that 27.1% of participants had a diagnosed MSD. Statistically significant differences were identified among subgroups in terms of age, years in the profession, and body mass index regarding MSD diagnoses (p=0.01; p<0.001, and p=0.005, respectively). Conclusions: Musculoskeletal discomfort is common in EMS providers and linked to work and lifestyle factors.
Keywords : acil sağlık, hastane öncesi, Kas-iskelet sistemi hastalıkları, Meslek hastalıkları, Sağlık çalışanları.

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