Occupational health risk assessment of musculoskeletal disorders among staff at Nakhon Phanom Rajanagarindra Psychiatric Hospital, Nakhon Phanom Province

Abstract

Medical personnel in psychiatric hospitals are exposed to ergonomic risks that may directly affect their health and work efficiency. This study aimed to assess the level of ergonomic risks and factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders in the personnel of Nakhon Phanom Rajanagarindra Psychiatric Hospital. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The sample consisted of 85 patients selected by simple random sampling and divided into similar exposure groups. Ergonomic risks were assessed using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). The results of the study found that the majority of personnel were female (69.41%), with an average age of 41.81 ± 10.01 years, and had a BMI level of 2 obesity (22.35%). Their exercise behavior was inconsistent (71.76%). The RULA/ REBA ergonomic risk level was level 3 (75.00%). The most common muscular discomfort was reported on the shoulder (55.29%), upper back (49.41%), and lower back (44.71%). It was found that inconsistent exercise behavior was significantly associated with musculoskeletal disorders (OR = 9.33, 95% CI = 2.506-34.764, P-value < 0.001). Hospital personnel are exposed to ergonomic threats and the risk of musculoskeletal disorders resulting from work, which may vary depending on the type of work they perform. Therefore, the ergonomic risk assessment of musculoskeletal disorders using a tool that assesses work posture is a guideline for obtaining basic information to plan improvements in working conditions and reduce work-related risks. These evaluations provide essential baseline data for formulating strategies to improve working conditions, mitigate occupational hazards, and promote the future health of workers.