Factors Influencing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Public Primary Care Services

Abstract: Despite the increasing trend in the prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Malaysia, it is essential to remember that they are preventable. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of WMSDs among healthcare workers and its associated factors in public primary care services in East Malaysia. A cross-sectional study using an online validated questionnaire was conducted among primary care healthcare workers at the study site. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the factors associated with WMSDs. In total, 170 primary care healthcare workers participated in this study. The prevalence of WMSDs was 79.4%. The factors found to be significantly associated with WMSDs were tertiary education level (Adj. OR: 2.92 [95%CI:1.078 – 7.940]), poor safety culture (Adj. OR: 4.031 [95%CI:1.358 – 11.969]), twisting body position (Adj. OR: 12.754 [95%CI:1.396 – 116.528]), lack of safety training (Adj. OR: 4.545 [95%CI:1.683 – 12.276]), ex-smokers (Adj. OR: 0.108 [95%CI:0.025 – 0.47]) and smoker (Adj. OR: 0.062 [95%CI:0.009 – 0.431]). The prevalence of WMSDs in this study aligns with previous research and provides valuable insights into the health of healthcare workers. These findings underscore the need for control and prevention strategies to reduce the prevalence of WMSDs. Notably, this study identifies safety culture as a significant factor in WMSDs, emphasizing the importance of safety training to foster a positive safety culture and prevent WMSDs. WMSDs. Keywords: Factors; Primary Care; Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders; Services