Research Information System
Turkish Journal of Clinics and Laboratory, vol.14, no.3, pp.427-435, 2023 (TRDizin)
Aim: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) have been a prevalent health issue among gynecologists. The current nationwide survey aimed to establish the prevalence and predictors of pain and WRMSD among gynecologists in Turkey, as well as their influence on family, social, and professional life. Material and Methods: The current prospective descriptive study was conducted as a national survey including gynecologists operating as a specialist for at least two years in a tertiary hospital with more than 500 beds. Results: The survey was completed by 286 (131 female) respondents out of a total of 390 participants. The locations of pain were as follows: neck (49.3%), upper back (49.3%), lower back (44.4%), shoulder (43.49%), hand/fingers (34.8%), thumb (11.2%), wrist (21.9%), hip (17.3%), knee (26.8%), and foot (17.8%). 58.7% of the gynecologists discovered at least one diagnosis of WRMD. Female surgeons were at threefold risk of upper back pain (β: 3.546 (%95 confidence interval (CI), 1.304-9.645; p=0.013), and at least two regions of pain (β: 3.847; CI:1.241-11.928; p=0.020). Left dominant hand increased risk of pain in the elbow (β:11.360, CI: 2.721-47.422; p=0.001), hip (β:1.155, CI: 1.004-1.283; p=0.045), and pain in the more than two regions (β:6.786, CI: 1.246-36.967, p=0.027). Exercise hours per week were found a protective factor for upper back pain and pain in more than two regions (β:1.198, CI:1.005-1.355, p=0.013; β:1.286, CI: 1.088-1.441, p=0.007). Conclusion: WRMSD are potentially affecting the gynecologist’s quality of life, income and professional life. Future research can be conducted to increase awareness and prevention from WRMSD among gynecologists.