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.

Keywords

• awareness
• ergonomics
• medical laboratory practitioners
• plateau state
• tertiary hospitals