Work–related musculoskeletal disorders among Nigerian physiotherapist
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Date
2008-08
Authors
Adegoke, OA
AKODU, AK
Adewale, LO
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC Musculoskeletal disorders
Abstract
Background: Physiotherapists are known to be prone to Work- related musculoskeletal
disorders (WRMDs) but its prevalence among physiotherapists in Nigeria has not been reported.
This study investigated the prevalence and work factors of WRMDs among physiotherapists in
Nigeria.
Methods: A cross- sectional survey was administered to physiotherapists in different parts of
Nigeria using a 2- part questionnaire with items adopted from questionnaires used for similar
studies around the world. Two hundred and seventeen copies of the questionnaire were
distributed for self administration but 126 physiotherapists returned completed surveys for a 58.1%
response. The data were analyzed using SPPS version 10 at alpha level of 0.05. Descriptive statistics
of frequency and percentages and inferential statistics of x2 were used as appropriate for data
analysis.
Results: Reported 12- month prevalence of WRMDs among Nigerian physiotherapists was 91.3%.
Prevalence of WRMDs was significantly higher in female physiotherapists (p = 0.007) and those with
lower body mass index (p = 0.045). The low back (69.8%) was the most commonly affected body
part, followed by the neck (34.1%). Fifty percent of the physiotherapists first experienced their
WRMDs within five years of graduation and the highest prevalence (61.7%) was found among
physiotherapists younger than 30 years. Treating large number of patients in a day was cited by
most (83.5%) of the respondents as the most important work factor for their WRMDs. The most
commonly adopted coping strategy identified was for the therapists to modify their position and/
or the patient's position (64.3%). Majority of the respondents (87.0%) did not leave the profession
but 62.6% changed and/or modified their treatment because of their WRMDs.
Conclusion: The prevalence of WRMDs among physiotherapists in Nigeria is higher than most
values reported for their counterparts around the world. The coping strategies and work factors
of WRMDs among Nigerian physiotherapists are mostly similar to those of their counterparts
elsewhere.
Description
Keywords
musculoskeletal disorders , Physiotherapist , Nigerian
Citation
Adegoke OA, Akodu AK, Adewale LO.; Work–related musculoskeletal disorders among Nigerian physiotherapist. Journal of biomed central (BMC) Musculoskeletal disorders 9(112): 1-9