Prevalence of work related upper limb disorders and the associated psychosocial factors among midwives

A qualitative study of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among midwives in selected hospitals in Ho municipality, Ghana

“…The study indicated that work-related musculoskeletal disorders comprised fractures, sprains, lower back pain and herniated lumber disk, spondylosis, and scoliosis. This finding is consistent with the earlier reports wherein most midwives experienced some form of work-related musculoskeletal disorders which included lordosis, lower back pain, kyphosis, sprains, herniated lumber disk, and scoliosis [ 5 , 13 , 14 ]. However, the current findings were contrasted by Kacem et al in Tunisia who documented that the most common work-related musculoskeletal disorders experienced by midwives were lower back, neck, and shoulder pain [ 5 ].…”

“…This finding is consistent with the earlier reports wherein most midwives experienced some form of work-related musculoskeletal disorders which included lordosis, lower back pain, kyphosis, sprains, herniated lumber disk, and scoliosis [ 5 , 13 , 14 ]. However, the current findings were contrasted by Kacem et al in Tunisia who documented that the most common work-related musculoskeletal disorders experienced by midwives were lower back, neck, and shoulder pain [ 5 ]. The majority of midwives recruited for our studies had worked for more than five years with a maximum working experience of 18 years.…”

“…The majority of midwives recruited for our studies had worked for more than five years with a maximum working experience of 18 years. It is not surprising that some of the midwives recruited for our studies had herniated lumber discs, spondylosis, and scoliosis because these conditions take longer to develop than those reported by Kacem et al who only reported lower back, neck, and shoulder pain [ 5 ]. The study results showed that the majority of participants reported having developed symptoms of a work-related musculoskeletal disorder within the first year of beginning their careers as midwives, and they described the onset as either sudden or gradual.…”

“…Musculoskeletal disorders can be caused by poor posture, sprains, lifting of heavy objects, stress, long working hours, and workload [ 4 ]. In the healthcare sector, midwives are part of the multi-disciplinary medical team that is susceptible to WRMSDs [ 5 ].…”

Developing a Comprehensive Model for the Prevention of Tension Neck Syndrome: A Focus on Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention Strategies

“…They range from those that occur suddenly and are temporary, such as fractures, sprains, and strains, to those that are lifelong and are associated with continuous functional limitations and impairment [1]. Musculoskeletal disorders are a major source of concern in many countries, not only because of personal suffering, but also because of the costs associated with lost production, sickness benefits, and health care [2].…”