International Journal of Medicine and Health Development (Jan 2024)
Evaluation of ergonomics awareness and its lack of application on medical laboratory practitioners in tertiary hospitals in Jos, Plateau, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: The study of how people interact with their work environment is known as ergonomics. Medical laboratory practitioners are exposed to work-related musculoskeletal disorders, resulting in a reduction in the quality of health care services rendered. The practicability of ergonomic principles can reduce the risk of these work-related disorders. Despite growing knowledge of ergonomics, its awareness in the health sector in Nigeria is poorly reported. Objectives: This study aimed to assess ergonomic awareness levels and the effects of its lack of implementation among medical laboratory practitioners in tertiary hospitals in Plateau State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 154 medical laboratory practitioners, comprising laboratory physicians, scientists, technicians, laboratory assistants, and administrative staff from four hospitals in Jos, Nigeria were recruited into the study via a simple random sampling technique. Data were obtained using a self-constructed questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The awareness rate among the participants was 66.9%. Ergonomics awareness was significantly associated with gender (P = 0.006), professional cadre (P = 0.02), and duration of service (P = 0.001). A significant relationship was found between the implementation of good body posture and awareness (P = 0.005). The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal pain was found to be 83.1%. Conclusion: A positive correlation was found between ergonomic awareness and the implementation of good body posture. The high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal pain underscores the urgent need for interventions to enhance ergonomic knowledge and practices in the health care sector.
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