Work related musculoskeletal disorders among female physiotherapists in Bangladesh

Samena Akter Kakuli; Fatema Maria Jahan; Walilul Islam

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20262218

Authors

Samena Akter Kakuli School of Science and Technology, Bangladesh Open University, Gazipur, Bangladesh
Fatema Maria Jahan Physio Move Physiotherapy Center, Uttara-7, Dhaka, Bangladesh https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1829-6806
Walilul Islam Bangladesh Health Professions Institute (BHPI), Chapain, Dhaka, Bangladesh https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1062-5349

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20262218

Keywords:

Bangladesh, Female, Physiotherapist, Work related musculoskeletal disorder

Abstract

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) affect many health professionals, among whom are Physiotherapists. Shoulder pain, elbow pain, low back pain, knee pain, neck pain and ankle pain are some of the complaints that can attribute to repetitive motion tasks, awkward posture and manual patient handling. Although prevalence of WMSDs among Physiotherapists have been documented in some Bangladeshi studies, information specifically for female Physiotherapist is limited.

Methods: To identify the work-related musculoskeletal disorders among female physiotherapists in Bangladesh; a descriptive cross-sectional study design was selected.

Results: Total 99 female physiotherapists accept the invitation from online survey and 79 were recruited, in which the prevalence was WMSDs (79.79%), with Bachelor degree (72.15%) and clinical physiotherapists 58.23%, respectively. Most of the women experienced mild pain (53.16%); neck pain was the most prevalent issue (29.11%). Pain duration, daily activity limitation, ODI, DASH and HRQoL were associated with age (all p<0.05). BMI, work experience and patient number had significant relationship with the duration of pain and disability score as well as HRQoL (p<0.05), but not in pain intensity, NDI and LEFS.

Conclusions: In Bangladesh, female Physiotherapist are frequently suffering from musculoskeletal disorders related to their jobs. Therefore, the likelihood of WMSDs can be reduced by using preventive measures and appropriate patient care practices.

Author Biographies

Fatema Maria Jahan, Physio Move Physiotherapy Center, Uttara-7, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Clinical Physiotherpist at Physio Move Physiotherapy Center, Uttara-7, Dhaka-1230, Bangladesh. Completed BSc in Physiotherapy and Master of Disability Management and Rehabilitation program.

Walilul Islam, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute (BHPI), Chapain, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Lecturer in the Department of Physiotherapy, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute (BHPI), CRP, Chapain, Savar, Dhaka-1343, Bangladesh. Competed BSc in Physiotherapy and MSc in Physiotherapy.

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