Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Physiotherapists in Ghana: Prevalence, Perceived Causes and Coping Strategies

Abstract

Background: Physiotherapy is a professionally demanding job, and physiotherapists are prone to develop musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal disorders are inflammatory and degenerative conditions affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilages, nerves and peripheral blood vessels, and are associated with exposure to risk factors at the work place. Physical risk factors including performing high repetitive movements, maintaining awkward postures while working or sustaining static work postures are associated with physiotherapy. There is therefore a need to investigate the prevalence and perceived causes of WRMSDs among physiotherapists in Ghana in order to put in adequate measures to reduce its development. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and perceived causes of WRMSDs among physiotherapists in Ghana and the coping strategies they adopt. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in nine (9) facilities in five regions in Ghana (Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western, Central and Eastern regions) with majority of physiotherapist. A four-part questionnaire comprised of demographic data, experience of musculoskeletal disorders, perceived contributing factors and coping strategies was distributed to 102 physiotherapists. Anthropometric indices (age, sex, weight and height) were obtained. Data collected was entered in to STATA version 15. Means, standard deviations, frequencies and percentages were calculated. The association between WRMSDs and demographic characteristics (such as age, sex, marital status, number of years of work- experience, level of education) and BMI were analyzed using chi square or Fisher’s exact test. Results: The prevalence of Work related musculoskeletal disorders was 76.5% prevalence of WRMSDs with the most common affected the body site being the lower back (69.6%), the upper back (38.2%) and the neck (22.6%). The least affected part of the body was the elbow/ forearm (1.0%). Respondents’ perceived causes of WRMSDs were performing repetitive movements and workload in a given day (58.8%). Coping strategies adopted by majority of physiotherapists included change of posture to prevent WRMSDs. There was an association between age and WRMSDs and also between work experience and WRMSDs. Conclusion: Prevalence of WRMSDs was high amongst Physiotherapists in Ghana, as such, the ministry of health, Ghana health service, and the Ghana Physiotherapy Association must put in measures (such as reducing workload on the physiotherapist, making workstation ergonomically friendly etc.) to help prevent or reduce its development.