Prevalence of work-related spinal disorders among female physical therapy internship students in Egypt

Background and purpose The prevalence of work-related spinal disorders (WRSDs) is higher among female physical therapists compared to their male counterparts, yet the physical and psychosocial risk factors are not well understood. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of WRSDs among female physical therapy internship students in Egypt. Materials and Methods The study included 128 female internship students, all free from work-related spinal disorders at the start. Assessments for neck and lower back pain, physical activity levels, psychosocial factors, and spinal angles were conducted using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ), and inclinometers. These assessments were performed both before and after 12 months of the internship. Results The prevalence of WRSDs was found to be 73.44%, with 33% reporting neck and upper back pain, 33% low back pain (LBP), and 34% experiencing both. Students with work-related spinal disorders (group A) exhibited significant decreases (p<0.05) in Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire scores and thoracic and lumbar angles compared to those without pain (group B) after 12 months. LBP scores positively correlated with changes in Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire factors, including work pace, recognition, and work-life conflict. Changes in thoracic angles were also positively correlated with work pace and emotional demands. Conclusion The study concludes that the increased prevalence of work-related spinal disorders among female physical therapy internship students is linked to psychosocial elements such as fast work pace, recognition seeking, work-life conflict, and emotional demands, which serve as risk factors for work-related spinal disorders.