Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among health care workers during covid-19 pandemic in the western region of Saudi Arabia

Background: During the period of COVID-19 and as number of cases increase. shortages in healthcare workers (HCWs) is a concern. Subsequently, the workload of HCWs may be substantial. Objective: to assess prevalence of Musculoskeletal disorders among health care workers during COVID-19 pandemic in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional design of the study was steered between July 2020 and July 2021 at Western region in Saudi Arabia. It was permitted by the research ethics committee unit of Taif University. An online questionnaire was used. Results: In our study, 19.3% of HCWs reported MSDs after COVID-19 duty. The prevalence of MSDs in HCWs who change their work shift due to COVID-19 duty (71.6%) and also not due to COVID-19 (60%) was comparatively more than who didn't change their work shift at all (27.7%) that showed a statistically significant association (p<0.001). It was reported that 34.1% of HCWs treated an excess number of patients as a result of COVID-19 duty had an incidence of MSDs compared to those who didn't treat an excess number of patients (7.1%) and who treated excess number not attributable to COVID-19 (17.5%). Insufficient breaks during workdays due to COVID-19 duty were reported by 39.1% of HCWs. Conclusion: COVID-19 duty had put some extra workload on many HCWs, which lead to the development of work-related MSDs. Significant predictors included change in work shift due to COVID-19, working in awkward and cramped positions as a matter of COVID-19 duty and lifting heavy materials/equipment during COVID-19.

Automated summary

The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare workers in the western region of Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic is relatively high. The additional workload caused by COVID-19 duties has led to the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare workers.