Prevalence and Associated Factors of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Symptoms Among Emergency Medical Service Personnel in Mahasarakham, Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION

Emergency medical services are at high risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). However, no study has examined the prevalence and impact of these disorders on EMS personnel.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among EMS personnel in Maha Sarakham Province and its associated factors.

METHODS

This cross-sectional design was conducted during the period when 614 EMS personnel responded to a survey. There were 430 in the Presence of WMSDs Symptoms group and 184 in the Non-Presence of WMSDs Symptoms group. Thus, the incidence of WMSDs accounted for 70%. The result that male EMS personnel were significantly more likely to experience WMSDs (OR = 5.18, 95% CI: 3.20- 8.40). Personnel with 9 years or less of work experience had a lower risk of WMSDs compared to those with more experience (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.26-0.70). Those who had not received refresher training in patient lifting and handling were at a much higher risk (OR = 5.75, 95% CI: 3.20-10.40). Working more than 13 hours per day also increased the likelihood of WMSDs (OR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.50-3.78), as did lifting more than 23 kgs. per instance (OR = 5.13, 95% CI: 2.61-10.06). Interestingly, Spending more than 57 minutes per emergency response was associated with a higher risk (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.15-0.43). WMSDs among EMS personnel are caused by a mix of personal, job-related, and ergonomic factors, highlighting the importance of well-rounded prevention strategies like adequate training, workload control, and ergonomic improvements.