Author(s): Rajan Balakrishnan, Nur Asyikin Binti Moh Naib

Abstract:
Objective: The study is aimed to findrnout the prevalence work-related musculoskeletal disorders among physiotherapistsrnin Sabah.
Background: Physiotherapists are knownrnto be prone to Work-Related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) but itsrnprevalence among physiotherapists in Sabah (East) Malaysia has not beenrnreported. This study investigated the prevalence and work factors of WRMDsrnamong physiotherapists in Sabah.
Design: A cross-sectional survey.
Methods: A survey was administeredrnto physiotherapists in different parts of Sabah. 100 copies of thernquestionnaire were distributed to different Hospital or Rehabilitation centresrnin Sabah.
Result: A 12-month prevalence ofrnWRMDs among physiotherapists in Sabah was 70 respondents with odds ratiorn2.333333= 70%. Injuries have been occurred mostly in low back region with oddsrnratio 0.785714= 44%, followed by the neck with odds ratio 0.25= 20.0% from 20rnrespondents. The highest risk factors in causing the injury were working in thernsame position for long periods of time with odds ratio 4.833333= 82.9% from 58rnrespondents, and 4.384615= 81.4% from 57 respondents by lifting or transferringrndependent patients.
Conclusion: According to the results ofrnthis study, the rate of WRMDs among physiotherapists in Sabah has been found tornbe high due to their work factors. Respondents felt that a change in workrnhabits was required in order to decrease the risk of another injury.

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