SURGEONS' OPERATING POSITIONS AND DEVELOPMENT OF MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN TANZANIA sawekelvinmd@gmail.com

 

SURGEONS' OPERATING POSITIONS AND DEVELOPMENT OF MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN TANZANIA

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Tanzania

Oral or Poster

Surgeons experience a significant burden of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) stemming from awkward postures, prolonged static positions, and repetitive movements. Poor ergonomics worsens these risks, impacting their well-being and performance. This study investigates the relationship between operating positions and MSP, highlighting the necessity for targeted interventions.

A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from August to December 2024. An electronic questionnaire was distributed to surgeons from various specialties in Tanzanian hospitals. The questionnaire gathered data on experiences with musculoskeletal pain, its causes, and effects in operating positions.

A total of 171 surgeons participated in this cross-sectional study. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was 68% (95% CI: 60.5%–75.5%), with the lower back (66.4%, 95% CI: 59.1%– 73.7%) and neck (45.7%, 95% CI: 38.2%–53.2%) being the most commonly affected areas. General surgeons and orthopaedic surgeons were mostly affected. Prolonged standing was associated with lower back pain (p=0.0015, Cramer's v=0.28), and prolonged forward neck flexion (>30°) was significantly correlated with neck pain (75.5%, p = 0.0015, Cramer’s V = 0.28). Prolonged arm elevation >90° was associated with shoulder pain (79.5%, p = 0.0024, Cramer’s V = 0.30), and repetitive motions were linked to the upper back (56.3%, p = 0.0049, Cramer’s V = 0.25) and shoulder pain (50.0%). A sedentary lifestyle was associated with an increased risk of shoulder pain (OR = 8.7, 95% CI: 2.99–25.29; p = 0.0001).

Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is a significant occupational health burden among Tanzanian surgeons. This study's findings show the need for ergonomic interventions to mitigate MSP