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ABSTRACT
Background: Health Care Professionals are susceptible to developing musculoskeletal disorders due to their job tasks which include manual lifting of weights, working for long periods of time and working in awkward or cramped positions. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the level of prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and the relationship between work posture and musculoskeletal disorders among various health care professionals in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. Method: 230 health care professionals participated in this study. Data was collected with the use of validated tools: the Standardized nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and rapid entire body assessment (REBA) tool. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics and inferential statistics of Chi square test. The alpha level was set at p < 0.05. Results: Results showed that more than half of the participants (65.2%) experienced musculoskeletal pain as a result of their work and there was significant level of musculoskeletal pain within the 12-month prevalence in the various regions: low back (70.4%), neck (45.2%), upper back (43%), knee (29.1%) and elbow (11.3%). There was also significant association between work posture and musculoskeletal disorders in the neck (ρ <0.001), elbow (ρ = 0.004), upper back (ρ = 0.001), low back (ρ = 0.002) and ankle/foot (ρ = 0.005) among the various professions. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals are at a significant risk for developing job-related MSDs, which calls for quick examination and intervention regarding work postures and tasks. For the best possible maintenance of the health of healthcare workers, comprehensive education and knowledge concerning safe work practices and implementation of policies by the tertiary healthcare facility are recommended. Keywords: Work Posture, Health Care Professionals, work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
