Original Article: JRCRS. 2025; 13(1):60-64.
11-Awareness of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Medical Laboratory Workers
Lubna Dilaram1, Sidra-Tul-Saba2, Aqsa Faiz3, Mubushara Afzal4, Syed Sami-Ur-Rehman5, Syed Sultan Ahmed Zaidi6
1 2Clinical Physiotherapist, Institute of Holistic Rehabilitation and Inclusion (IHRI), Karachi, Pakistan
3Principal, South City Hospital, South City Institute of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, South City Health Care Educational Hub, Karachi, Pakistan
4Research Associate, South City Hospital, South City Institute of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, South City Health Care Educational Hub, Karachi, Pakistan
5Lecturer, South City Hospital, South City Institute of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, South City Health Care Educational Hub, Karachi, Pakistan
6Clinical Physiotherapist, Medicare Cardiac General Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
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 workrelated 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, Pai.