The prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among adults in Ethiopia: a study protocol for extending a systematic review with meta-analysis of observational studies

Abstract

Background Work-related musculoskeletal disorders impose a significant and most often underappreciated burden to the individual, nation, healthcare system, and society as a whole. To the best of our knowledge, there is a lack of reliable estimates on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Ethiopia. The objective of this study will be to assess the existing literature on the prevalence rates and determinant factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Ethiopia. Method We will search PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, PEDro, and Ebsco (from January 2000 onwards). Gray literature will be identified through searching Google Scholar and dissertation databases. Observational studies reporting on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among adult Ethiopians will be included. The primary outcome will be the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Secondary outcomes will be the prevalence of any risk factors in association with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using an appropriate tool. If feasible, we will conduct random effects meta-analysis of observational data. Subgroup analyses will be conducted to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity (e.g., gender, sample size, type of occupation). Publication bias and heterogeneity between the included studies will also be assessed and reported. Discussion This systematic review will provide a synthesis of the literature on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and their risk factors in Ethiopia. The results of this review could help the policymakers in occupational health and healthcare sectors in identifying priority areas for interventions in work-related musculoskeletal disorders and will also serve as a baseline for the decision-making processes of musculoskeletal health promotion, work exposure implementations, and prevention programs in workplaces. Systematic review registration PROSPERO, CRD42020164240

Prevalence and factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorder among health care providers working in the operation room

“…The questionnaire was developed after a review of the available scientific papers in the subject area. The standardized questionnaire has been applied in intensive studies in the literatures, including Ethiopia [ [22] , [23] , [24] ].…”

“…Furthermore, musculoskeletal disorders continue to be a major global health issue and a significant financial burden for Low-and Middle-income countries s such as Ethiopia, where health budgets are already extended and devoted to life-threatening conditions. According to one systematic review study done in Ethiopia, musculoskeletal pain affects anywhere from 35% to 74.5% of the working population [ 22 ]. In Ethiopia the magnitude and burdens of work-related musculoskeletal disease among health care providers especially operation room staffs had limited studies.…”

Musculoskeletal disorders among the population in Northwest Ethiopia

“… 11 , 12 According to studies, the prevalence of work-related MSDs in Ethiopia’s adult population ranges from 35% to 74.5%. 13 …”

A comparative study of the efficacy and functionality of 10 commercially available wrist-hand orthoses in healthy females during activities of daily living

“…Importantly, the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the hand and wrist constitutes a significant burden not only to the individual but also to society and healthcare systems globally ( 2 ). For example, in 2001 in North America, as reported to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, of the 355,344 cases of injury or illness of the upper limb, 33,431 were sprains or strains of the hand, wrist, or fingers, with 26,794 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and 4,896 cases of tendinitis of the wrist/hand ( 3 ).…”