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The Impact of an Ergonomics Intervention on Psychosocial Factors and Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Thai Hospital Orderlies

Author

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  • Withaya Chanchai

    (College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand)

  • Wanpen Songkham

    (Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand)

  • Pranom Ketsomporn

    (Department of Patient Transfer Service, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand)

  • Punnarat Sappakitchanchai

    (Department of Patient Transfer Service, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand)

  • Wattasit Siriwong

    (College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand)

  • Mark Gregory Robson

    (School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA)

Abstract

(1) Background : Musculoskeletal disorders have a multifactorial etiology that is not only associated with physical risk factors, but also psychosocial risk factors; (2) Objective : This study evaluated the effects of an ergonomic intervention on musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial risk factors; (3) Material and Methods : This study took a participatory ergonomic (PE) approach with a randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted at tertiary care hospitals during July to December 2014. A group of hospital orderlies in Thailand were randomly selected for examination. Fifty orderlies were placed in a case group and another 50 orderlies were placed in the control group. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire (NMQ) and the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) were used for data collection before and after the intervention program; (4) Results : The most commonly reported problem among hospital orderlies was found to be lower back symptoms (82%). The study found significant differences in prevalence rates of reported musculoskeletal conditions in the arm, upper back, and lower back regions before and after intervention. Findings showed that psychosocial risk factors were affected by the intervention. COPSOQ psychosocial risk factors were significantly different pre/post intervention. These variables included: work pace, influence at work, meaning of work, predictability, rewards, role conflicts, and social support from supervisors. No other psychosocial risk factors were found to be significant; (5) Conclusions : Positive results were observed following the intervention in the work environment, particularly in terms of reducing physical work environment risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders and increasing promotion factors of the psychosocial work environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Withaya Chanchai & Wanpen Songkham & Pranom Ketsomporn & Punnarat Sappakitchanchai & Wattasit Siriwong & Mark Gregory Robson, 2016. "The Impact of an Ergonomics Intervention on Psychosocial Factors and Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Thai Hospital Orderlies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-10, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:13:y:2016:i:5:p:464-:d:69352
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Burke, M.J. & Sarpy, S.A. & Smith-Crowe, K. & Chan-Serafin, S. & Salvador, R.O. & Islam, G., 2006. "Relative effectiveness of worker safety and health training methods," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 96(2), pages 315-324.
    2. Kerr, M.S. & Frank, J.W. & Shannon, H.S. & Norman, R.W.K. & Wells, R.P. & Neumann, W.P. & Bombardier, C., 2001. "Biomechanical and psychosocial risk factors for low back pain at work," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 91(7), pages 1069-1075.
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    Cited by:

    1. Andrew Watterson, 2016. "Occupational Safety and Related Impacts on Health and the Environment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-4, October.
    2. Daniela Ohlendorf & Yvonne Haas & Antonia Naser & Jasmin Haenel & Laura Maltry & Fabian Holzgreve & Christina Erbe & Werner Betz & Eileen M. Wanke & Dörthe Brüggmann & Albert Nienhaus & David A. Grone, 2020. "Prevalence of Muscular Skeletal Disorders among Qualified Dental Assistants," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-16, May.

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