Prevalence and Factors Associated with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder among Central Sterile Supply Technicians in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand

Authors

Withaya Chanchai Dr, Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Medicine, Siam University, Bangkok, 10160, ThailandFollow
Ratree Nacglud Ms, Department of Central Sterile Supply Unit, Sichon Hospital, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80120, ThailandFollow
Keatkongkrai Bunnum Mr., Department of Central Sterile Supply Unit, Chawang Crown Prince Hospital, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80150, ThailandFollow
Nureeya Promsorn Mrs., Department of Central Sterile Supply Unit, Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammmarat Hospital, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80000, ThailandFollow
Laddawan Duangmusik Mrs., Department of Central Sterile Supply Unit, Thasala Hospital, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, ThailandFollow
Warunee Suwanrat Mrs., Department of Central Sterile Supply Unit, Promkiri Hospital, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80320, ThailandFollow
Wichuda Chantasin, Faculty of Public Health, Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University under the Royal Patronage, Pathum Thani, 13180, ThailandFollow
Kritsana Thonnan Ms., Center for Biomedical Innovation, Healthmedic Innovation Academy, Bangkok, 10310, ThailandFollow

Abstract

Background: Central Sterile Supply Technicians (CSSTs) face an elevated risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), notably affecting the back.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the prevalence and factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders among CSSTs in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand.

Methods: A cross-sectional study in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, assessed WMSDs among CSSTs using self-administered questionnaires on demographics and symptoms. Out of 188 distributed, 179 were completed, evaluating disorder presence and severity during sterilization in 33 hospitals.

Results: The prevalence rate of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in various body regions, particularly the upper back, at the time of questioning (88.2%), during the past week (79.3%), and over the past year (77.7%). Technicians with over 30 years of experience showed a significantly higher risk of musculoskeletal disorders (OR 8.71, 95% CI 1.44 - 6.29). CSSTs with over ten years of employment showed significant associations (OR 7.86, 95% CI 1.30 - 5.01). Other factors included working day shifts (OR 19.17, 95% CI 10.22 - 120.46), heavy load handling (OR 20.01, 95% CI 10.76 - 153.55), lifting of instruments (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.40 - 5.52), transporting equipment or carts (OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.89 - 7.27), pushing equipment or carts (OR 9.19, 95% CI 1.40 - 5.52), carrying instruments (OR 5.58, 95% CI 1.13 - 4.27), and uncomfortable postures (OR 7.65, 95% CI 1.38 - 7.57).

Conclusion: These findings highlight the high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among CSSTs, particularly impacting the upper back. Factors such as prolonged employment and physically demanding tasks significantly contribute to these disorders.

DOI

10.56808/2673-060X.5398

Recommended Citation

Chanchai, Withaya Dr; Nacglud, Ratree Ms; Bunnum, Keatkongkrai Mr.; Promsorn, Nureeya Mrs.; Duangmusik, Laddawan Mrs.; Suwanrat, Warunee Mrs.; Chantasin, Wichuda; and Thonnan, Kritsana Ms. (2024) "Prevalence and Factors Associated with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder among Central Sterile Supply Technicians in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand," Chulalongkorn Medical Journal: Vol. 68: Iss. 4, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56808/2673-060X.5398
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/clmjournal/vol68/iss4/3