EVALUATION OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AND WORKPLACE ERGONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS IN SURGICAL TECHNOLOGISTS

Surgical technologists' problems may affect the perioperative outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate musculoskeletal disorders and related ergonomic considerations in surgical technologists.
Materials & Methods: This descriptive correlational study was performed among 141 technologists of selected teaching hospitals of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. The data collection tool consists of four sections containing demographic information, 13 questions to assess the level of knowledge about ergonomics, 16 questions to assess working conditions and a standard Nordic questionnaire to determine the extent of musculoskeletal disorders. T-test and ANOVA were used to compare the means, and Spearman correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between the variables.
Results: The results showed that 78% of the participants had experienced musculoskeletal disorders in at least one area of the body during the last 12 months. The three most prevalent body regions were the low back (55%), shoulders (29%) and wrists (26%). Knowledge of correct principles of working with an average of 3.03±0.55 of 5 points was moderate, 61% reported training in ergonomic considerations as poor. Participants' work environment and tools such as poor ventilation, ergonomic tools and equipment, and lack of short rest between long-term works are contrary to ergonomic principles.
Conclusion: According to the identification of risk factors in this study, appropriate training programs, ergonomic interventions and the use of safety and health equipment can probably reduce occupational injuries and increase productivity