TITLE:
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Disorders among Biomedical Analysis Laboratory Staff in Hospitals in Cotonou
AUTHORS:
Rose Mikponhoué, Simon Azonbakin, Mênonli Adjobimey, Nadia Godjoa, Etienne Alagnide, Paul Ayél, Antoine Vikkey Hinson
KEYWORDS:
MSDs, Laboratory Technicians, Hospital, Cotonou
JOURNAL NAME:
Occupational Diseases and Environmental Medicine,
Vol.12 No.4,
November
26,
2024
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a real occupational health problem. Laboratory technicians appear to be among those most affected. Objective: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with MSDs among laboratory technicians in Cotonou. Study Method: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was carried out on laboratory technicians at university hospitals and area hospitals in Cotonou. It took place over a three-month period from August 10 to November 10, 2021. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 software. Frequencies were compared using the chi2 test for qualitative variables and the ANOVA test for quantitative parametric variables. The significance level was 5%. Results: A total of 156 technicians were included in the study, 83 of them male, i.e. a M/F sex ratio of 1.14. The mean age was 36.70 ± 6.69 years. The overall prevalence of MSD was 91.03%. For back, neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist-hand, the prevalence was 83.56%, 50.68%, 08.21%, 14.38% and 20.54% respectively. Factors associated with MSD were the non-adjustable nature of the seats (p = 0.03), job strain (p Conclusion: The prevalence of MSD is high among laboratory technicians. The study confirms the multifactorial etiology of MSDs. The preventive approach must be comprehensive, including all risk factors.