Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal complaints among surgeons in Saudi Arabia

Surgeons, like other healthcare providers, are susceptible to work-related musculoskeletal complaints (WMSCs). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of WMSCs including musculoskeletal injuries among surgeons in Saudi Arabia and identify predisposing factors contributing to these complaints.

An anonymous online cross-sectional survey was conducted and descriptive statistics, Pearson's χ² test, Fisher's exact test, ϕ coefficient and Cramér's V test were used to analyze the data.

A total of 316 surgeons participated, of whom 63% were aged between 21 and 40 years, 40.2% were female, 61.7% were not married and 82.3% were in full-time practice. Of the surveyed surgeons, 65.5% complained of musculoskeletal symptoms including 15.2% who reported having musculoskeletal injuries. Position, years of experience and duration of daily practice were significantly associated with musculoskeletal injuries. There was no significant difference between male and female surgeons in developing musculoskeletal injuries; however, a higher proportion of females, compared to males, were thinking of retirement because of these symptoms.

A considerable proportion of surgeons reported experiencing WMSCs and injuries that negatively affected their work performance. This may lead some to consider early retirement. Based on the results, suggestions to minimize WMSCs among surgeons are presented.