Work-related musculoskeletal problems related to laboratory training in university medical science students: a cross sectional survey

Abstract

BackgroundWork-related musculoskeletal problems impact everyday function, working ability, and quality of life. Unaddressed musculoskeletal problems can lead to major injury and loss of function, contributing to participation restrictions, economic loss and the increasing burden of disease worldwide. Medical science laboratory technicians are not immune with reported work-related musculoskeletal problems between 40 and 80%. Similar data is not available for medical science students, who may be the most vulnerable at the beginning of their careers. This study investigated the prevalence, common sites, impact and potential solutions for work-related musculoskeletal problems in medical science students during their university laboratory training.MethodsA Standardised Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was administered to medical science students at a local university in Sydney, Australia, to evaluate the prevalence, site and impact of work-related musculoskeletal problems. Problems were defined as an ache, pain, discomfort or numbness in body regions within 12 months and last 7 days in this period. The questionnaire was administered between April and June 2017.ResultsThe response rate was 38.2% (n = 110/288). Over a third (n = 38/110) reported a laboratory related musculoskeletal problem in the last 12 months and just over a fifth (n = 24/110) within 7 days. The lower back (30% and 17%), neck (24% and 10%) and upper back (21% and 10%) were the most common sites of problems reported within a 12 month and 7 day period respectively. Problems reported in the lower back, neck and upper back prevented daily activities in the majority of cases (between 63 to 83%) with many seeking physician or health professional assistance (between 13 to 83%). Solutions suggested by respondents included better seating designs, rest periods and education about correct working posture.ConclusionsSome medical science students during their laboratory training are already experiencing high levels of musculoskeletal problems, even before they enter the workforce. While the response rate was low affecting generalizability, the extent of problems limiting activity and needs to seek assistance of those reporting problems is of concern. Strategies are suggested to address ergonomic and postural training, as part of university curriculums, including the identification of problems for early intervention to facilitate sustainable workforces.

Physical environmental and occupational factors inducing work-related neck and shoulder pains among self-employed tailors of informal sectors in Ethiopia, 2019: results from a community based cross-sectional study

“…Consistent with literature [ 51 ], working posture (bending and/or twisting) has been identified as a considerable risk factor for neck and shoulder pains in the current investigation. A continuous deviation from normal/recommended working positions (usually neutral)/ could adversely affect neck and shoulder [ 52 ]. There have been wide documents which support the significant relations of working in prolonged sitting positions and the likelihood of developing neck and shoulder impairments [ 53 – 55 ].…”

Impact of unhealthy lifestyle on cardiorespiratory fitness and heart rate recovery of medical science students

“…People often assume that medical science education provides greater knowledge to students to keep them healthy and fit. In recent years, great effort has been given on the well-being and the quality of life to patients and other populations [2,3] but few studies have assessed the well-being of young medical science professionals [4,5]. At the early stage of their careers, new medical science students are more vulnerable to adopt unhealth lifestyle, which may be due to the challenge of living independently without parental constraints, changing eating behaviour, high academic demands with longer sedentary period at lectures and computer-screen and managing an active social life in the meantime [4].…”

“…Understanding the impact of unhealthy lifestyle components on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and heart rate recovery of new medical science students is an important step to keep this young generation healthy. However, few studies had examined the health of medical science students relied on self-reported data [4,5]. Little information is available based on objective physical activity measures and the association between these measures and the lifestyle components for these early career health professionals.…”

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms and Relationship with Work Posture among Staff of a Nigerian University

“…Widanarko and colleagues surveyed several occupational/industrial groups and noted that 92% of office workers have reported musculoskeletal disorder symptoms [20]. In another study, about 63% of office workers pinpointed work as the major contributors to their musculoskeletal problems [21]. A similar study at a nearby tertiary hospital in our study area noted that the workers in their study were properly oriented about work ergonomics, but exhibited poor practice thereby placing them at increased risk for developing musculoskeletal disorder symptoms [22].…”