The Effectiveness of Ergonomic Training Interventions Based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model on Musculoskeletal Disorders and Stress in Surgical Technologists: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Objectives: Work-related injuries in surgical technologists cause burnout and poor quality of nursing care.Applying ergonomics can prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and reduce work-related stress.Considering the high prevalence of MSDs and job stress in surgical technologists, the present study will aim to determine the effectiveness of ergonomic training interventions based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model on musculoskeletal disorders and stress in surgical technologists.Materials and Methods: This study will be conducted as a randomized controlled trial among surgical technologists working in two hospitals in Yazd in 2024-2025.The surgical technologists of one hospital will be assigned as the intervention group (34 people) and the other hospital as the control group (34 people).The intervention program will be implemented based on the framework of the 8phase PRECEDE-PROCEED model and the use of ergonomic principles and stress-coping techniques based on the Lazarus interactive model.Data will be collected using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and the Behavioral Risk Factors Questionnaire at three stages: baseline, three months, and six months after the intervention.In the control group, data collection will take place in three stages simultaneously with the intervention group, without any intervention.Data were analyzed using independent two-sample t-test and non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test.