Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Podiatric Physicians in Singapore

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders have become a leading occupational health problem in health-care professionals. This study aims to bring attention to a growing problem by reporting the prevalence, risk factors, and workplace interventions related to work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Singapore podiatric physicians.

All of the podiatric physicians in Singapore were eligible to participate. A self-administered survey that included questions from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to understand their work practice and musculoskeletal symptoms. Data on workplace interventions for prevention were also collected.

A 50% response rate was achieved (n = 50); 72% of respondents attributed their musculoskeletal pain to work, of which 40% had pain affecting activities of daily living and almost half recorded consequent absenteeism. The neck, wrist/hand, and lower back were most frequently affected. For one-third, pain onset occurred early in professional practice. Ergonomic factors were the predominant cause. Women (odds ratio, 6.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-42.8) and those with self-reported poor posture during clinical work (odds ratio, 6.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-45.1) were possible risk factors. Trends of higher body mass index, long hours of continuous clinical work, and higher mental stress at work were also observed. Only 26% of respondents reported workplace interventions. Work organization and ergonomic interventions were thought to be most effective.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a significant health problem in podiatric physicians that cause disability and impact work through absenteeism. Occupational health practitioners should raise awareness of work-related risks and engage the profession to identify mitigating strategies.