Prevalence and Factors Associated with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder among Central Sterile Supply Technicians in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand

Background: Central Sterile Supply Technicians (CSSTs) face an elevated risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), notably affecting the back. Objective: This study aimed to examine the prevalence and factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders among CSSTs in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional study in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, assessed WMSDs among CSSTs using self-administered questionnaires on demographics and symptoms. Out of 188 distributed, 179 were completed, evaluating disorder presence and severity during sterilization in 33 hospitals. Results: The prevalence rate of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in various body regions, particularly the upper back, at the time of questioning (88.2%), during the past week (79.3%), and over the past year (77.7%). Technicians with over 30 years of experience showed a significantly higher risk of musculoskeletal disorders (OR 8.71, 95% CI 1.44 - 6.29). CSSTs with over ten years of employment showed significant associations (OR 7.86, 95% CI 1.30 - 5.01). Other factors included working day shifts (OR 19.17, 95% CI 10.22 - 120.46), heavy load handling (OR 20.01, 95% CI 10.76 - 153.55), lifting of instruments (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.40 - 5.52), transporting equipment or carts (OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.89 - 7.27), pushing equipment or carts (OR 9.19, 95% CI 1.40 - 5.52), carrying instruments (OR 5.58, 95% CI 1.13 - 4.27), and uncomfortable postures (OR 7.65, 95% CI 1.38 - 7.57). Conclusion: These findings highlight the high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among CSSTs, particularly impacting the upper back. Factors such as prolonged employment and physically demanding tasks significantly contribute to these disorders.