Ergonomic risks present in healthcare personnel: An occupational health problem. Literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69821/jowhes.v3i1.21Keywords:
Musculoskeletal disorders, occupational pathologies, prevention, ergonomic risksAbstract
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a priority occupational health problem among healthcare workers due to continuous exposure to ergonomic risks such as awkward postures, repetitive movements, manual handling of patients, prolonged computer use, and long working hours. To synthesize recent evidence on these risk factors, a literature review of scientific publications from 2019 to 2023 was conducted. The search was performed in EBSCO, eLibro, ProQuest, SciELO, and Google Scholar, applying predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Twelve articles focused on healthcare workers were selected, including original research studies, systematic reviews, cross-sectional studies, and case-control studies. The descriptive and narrative analysis considered the prevalence of MSDs, the affected body regions, and the associated ergonomic factors. The reported prevalence ranged from 25.5% to 86%. The most affected areas were the lumbar and cervical spine, as well as the shoulders, back, and upper extremities. The occupational groups most affected included nurses, orderlies, medical staff, and administrative personnel. The main risks identified were high physical workload, static or awkward postures, long working hours, job stress, and insufficient breaks. The evidence supports strengthening comprehensive preventive strategies with ergonomic and organizational interventions, as well as health promotion programs.
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