MSDs symptoms in malaria microscopists in malaria clinics, The Office of Disease Prevention and Control 9. Phitsanulok

Abstract

Malaria clinic microscopists spend most of the day sitting for long periods of microscope work. Their work is the risk factors related to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) potential health hazards including injuries. Musculoskeletal disorders lead to declines in physiological capacity function of musculoskeletal tissues) and closely linked with wear and tear theory. This descriptive analytic study with a questionnaire of musculoskeletal disorders risk assessment aimed to investigate musculoskeletal disorders symptoms and risk factors related to musculoskeletal disorders. Malaria clinic microscopists currently working in the Office of Disease Prevention and Control 9, Phitsanulok Province partipated in the study. Data were collected from March through May 2014.

65.71 percent of malaria clinic microscopists reported musculoskeletal problems in the last 12 months and the last 7 days were 51.43 %. For the last 12 month period, MSDs were predominantly found in the following three anatomical areas: neck (54.17%) low back (52.08%) and upper back (41.67%). For the last 7 day period, MSDs were mostly as neck (66.67%) low back pain (50.00%), following by shoulder and ankle and foot pain (47.22%). Most subjects (51.85%) reported pain impact on their work and routine activities were 20.37%. Only 7.41% must take 1-7 days of rest. The selection of pain relief practices were 25.93y massage using. 11.11% by their medicines and doctor's recommendation were 16.67%. Regarding the occupational risk behaviors, the high risk behaviors were 45.71% of participants. Moreover, overall occupational risk behavior was significantly associated with musculoskeletal injuries during the 12 month period (p<.05).