Prevalence assessment of musculoskeletal and visual symptoms among pathological anatomy service workers

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal and visual symptoms among pathological anatomy service workers and to assess the workers’ opinions about their actual working conditions. The data were collected using a questionnaire specifically developed for this purpose. The Chi-square test and Cramer’s V coefficient were used to identify possible associations between variables (individual/work-related characteristics) and the prevalence of complaints (musculoskeletal or visual fatigue). The main results of this study have highlighted that the work done in this pathological anatomy service entails risk factors which may be responsible for the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and the high levels of eyestrain. The main regions affected and the main visual symptoms are in accordance with the results reported by other studies. In general, there were no statistically significant associations between variables (individual/work-related characteristics) and the prevalence of complaints reported by the workers. This study supports the need for an ergonomic intervention at workplace to improve working conditions.