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Factors associated with back problems among emergency medical technicians
Jonathan R Studnek1, J Mac Crawford
1National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, Columbus, OH 43230, USA. jons@nremt.org
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) reporting job dissatisfaction or lower physical fitness are more likely to experience back problems. Addressing these factors may reduce back issues in this population.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Emergency Medicine
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Back problems are a prevalent issue among emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
- Individual and work-related factors may influence the incidence of back problems in EMTs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between individual and work-related characteristics and the likelihood of reporting back problems in a national sample of EMTs.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted with 579 EMTs.
- Cases comprised 104 EMTs who reported new back problems in 2004.
- Controls included 475 EMTs with no reported back problems in 2003 and 2004.
Main Results:
- EMTs dissatisfied with their current assignment had a significantly higher likelihood of reporting back problems (OR = 9.33).
- EMTs reporting good or fair physical fitness were more likely to report back problems compared to those reporting excellent fitness (OR = 3.39 and OR = 3.43, respectively).
Conclusions:
- Job satisfaction and self-reported physical fitness are two modifiable factors associated with self-reported back problems among EMTs.
- Interventions targeting job satisfaction and promoting physical fitness may help mitigate back problems in this occupational group.
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