Prevalence and Associated Factors of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Symptoms Among Emergency Medical Service Personnel in Mahasarakham, Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Studies in health technology and informatics · 2025-06-26 · Observational study
Abstract
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.